truth over lies — Devotionals — The Art Of A Messy House

Posts tagged truth over lies

Look to God and for Him

Look to God and for Him

In the face of hurt, look to the Healer.

In the face of the hard, He is there.

Faithful every moment, cast Him every care.

While we cannot see everything, God does. In the midst of our own limited sight, we must lean onto the One who sees and knows it all. From our own blind spots to the times we are blindsided by another person, God is not. He sees. He knows and He loves us through it.

In the clutter of what we carry, we may miss the beauty in the surrender. We may simply forget to look or we may become blinded by the excuses. Still, excuses do not eliminate the true Truth; they often avoid it. However, there is a better way…

Look to God and for Him.

New Year Same God, Purpose, TRUTH SEEKING, Equipped and AbleJen KosudaOctober 16, 2024purpose, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, truth seeking, truth over lies, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, trust god, pray about it, pray-stepping, bravery, mama bear, rise up, take captive strongholds, mindset shift, christian mindset, daily devotions, love louder, daily devotionals, biblical motherhood, faith encouragement, christian motivation, morning motivation, god provides, marriage, christian relationships, change, embrace change, change is good, growth mindset, waiting season, waiting, faith, hope, changechange is good, into the unknown, love, loved, loved by god, daily encouragement, ignited, ignite, daily devotion, look to god, hardship, god heals, healing journey, blind spots, blindsidedComment

Claiming Completion or Captivity: the Choice Before Us

Claiming Completion or Captivity: the Choice Before Us

Sometimes, the answer we are longing for is in the change we are resisting.

Change is not easy…

While change is normal, it is often uncomfortable and challenging. Therefore, our perception matters and our focus does too. We are not meant to stay the same. Evolving and growing is a beautiful gift. That is also true with relationships too.

We must not stay in our Egypt when God calls us out. We must also not go back…

New Year Same God, Purpose, TRUTH SEEKING, Equipped and AbleJen KosudaSeptember 18, 2024purpose, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, truth seeking, truth over lies, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, trust god, pray about it, pray-stepping, bravery, mama bear, rise up, take captive strongholds, mindset shift, christian mindset, daily devotions, love louder, daily devotionals, biblical motherhood, faith encouragement, christian motivation, morning motivation, god provides, marriage, christian relationships, change, embrace change, change is good, growth mindset, waiting season, waiting, faith, hope, changechange is good, into the unknown, love, loved, loved by god, daily encouragement, ignited, ignite, dialy devotional, daily devotionComment

Running to the Fish or the Foundation

Running to the Fish or the Foundation

How do we take those negative ruminating thoughts and running routines and turn them into REST?

Ruminating to rest

Running to rest

It sounds contradictory and yet, it is quite the opposite. It is about that firm foundation we must sit on, stand on and walk from, remembering to always go back to it too. So let’s run back now and begin here…

Where are we running? Where are we resting? And what does that have to do with the Book of Jonah?

When we think of the Book of Jonah, we probably think of a fish. However, there is so much more to learn from these pages. We must be careful to not become so fascinated by a fish that will lose sight of the foundation, and a message for all ages. And yes, that does have to do with our focus as well as our running and resting routines and rhythms…

Barriers into Breakthrough

Barriers into Breakthrough

“Don’t wait for the blessing, be the blessing”

Those were the first words I heard on my heart as my eyes greeted 2024. It is also what prompted this message.

It is a message encouraging us all to walk in love, to be bold in prayer and to approach each day not just with a list of resolutions…

but instead with a resolute heart.

Tis’ the Season to Love Louder

Tis’ the Season to Love Louder

Lord, please fill my cup

with what I need.

Soften my heart to hear,

to live in love, and not greed.

Can you relate?

Recently, I had a week of feeling frustrated and drained about a few things in my life. In recognizing them, I knew it was either an opportunity to sit in frustrating emotions or to use those emotions as opportunities and necessities to lean into God.

In asking Him what to do, I heard Him tell me…

“Love Louder.”

God is Love

God is Love

God is good;

our Hope from above.

A hope anchored in Christ,

that knows God is love.

I grew up thinking that God was punishing me every time something bad happened. I remember clearly asking about this in my journal to Him growing up and yet I did not pause to listen much back then. My conversations were often one-sided. Venting, pleading or praising Him…

As I continue to read the Bible as an adult, I find more and more of God’s faithful and loving character and see that I had this wrong.

God is love.

TRUTH SEEKING, Purpose, Equipped and AbleJen KosudaNovember 1, 2023purpose, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, truth seeking, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, nothing is impossible, word over world, it is possible, lessons learned, anything is possible, 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, stretch goals, dream chaser, pray about it, pray-stepping, motivation of the heart, keep praying, keep moving, do not give up, it is a choice, healing journey, bold, bravery, mama bear, lions rise, rise up, speak truth, declare truth, take captive strongholds, mindset shift, christian mindset, new seasons, same god, daily devotion for moms, drinking testimony, god saved my life, give it to god, dear younger me, college years, set free, god is loveComment

God Made You Brave

God Made You Brave

God, what do I need to let go of?

There is so much we carry

so much we hold.

But it’s in the surrender

that we begin to live fearlessly bold.

TRUTH SEEKING, PurposeJen KosudaOctober 4, 2023purpose, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, truth seeking, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, nothing is impossible, word over world, it is possible, lessons learned, anything is possible, 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, stretch goals, dream chaser, pray about it, pray-stepping, motivation of the heart, keep praying, keep moving, do not give up, it is a choice, healing journey, bold, bravery, mama bear, lions rise, rise up, speak truth, declare truth, take captive strongholds, mindset shift, christian mindset, new seasons, same god, daily devotion for moms, drinking testimony, god saved my life, give it to god, dear younger me, college years, set free, drinking, god made you braveComment

Keep Moving - Fueled by Faith

Keep Moving - Fueled by Faith

Lord, tame my tongue but fuel my heart.

Fueled by faith…

Recently, I heard a song I’ve heard many times before and yet, I listened differently. While the lyrics sang about riptides, I sat, reflecting on those currents in life. First of all, I thought about the leaps of faith despite the fears. And how, no matter what we face, a new relationship or the ending of one, a new opportunity or the return of a familiar one, or whatever it is…

We don’t need to be pulled into the ways of the world. We don’t need to be pulled by the fears or the cycles of negativity. We don’t need spiral in the tides that will keep us stuck or spinning. Instead, God is our rescue. ♡

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah‬ ‭46‬:‭4‬)

But like many things in life… often it is a choice. Do we want to be rescued?

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKING, Purpose, New Year Same GodJen KosudaJuly 19, 2023purpose, god's purpose, blogging, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, truth seeking, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, mental health matters, no regrets, perception, presence over presents, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, it is possible, lessons learned, birthdays, anything is possible, 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, stretch goals, dream chaser, goal setting, pray about it, pray-stepping, time is a friend, time is not an excuse, anger, emotions, heart check, heart, motivation of the heart, forgiveness, matters of the heart, put it on the heart, fuel my heart, keep praying, keep moving, do not give up, rescue, god is our rescue, it is a choice, healing journeyComment

Matters of the Heart (Part 2)

Matters of the Heart (Part 2)

Let’s talk about emotions and start by recapping last week’s blog post…

It’s not enough to know we must do it. We must be mindful of our emotions and how anger can open the door for sin. As I was walking through some anger myself and feelings a whole bunch of emotions, I was also in God’s Word, reading through the Gospel of John again and learning more about Jesus. That was when the following verse stopped me…

“The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.” (John‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Read part 2 of this two-part post here and stay tuned for an episode about it too on the podcast.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKING, Purpose, New Year Same GodJen KosudaMay 31, 2023purpose, god's purpose, blogging, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, truth seeking, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, mental health matters, no regrets, perception, presence over presents, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, it is possible, lessons learned, birthdays, anything is possible, 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, stretch goals, dream chaser, goal setting, pray about it, pray-stepping, time is a friend, time is not an excuse, anger, emotions, heart check, judas, heart, motivation of the heart, forgiveness, matters of the heart, put it on the heartComment

Matters of the Heart (Part 1)

Matters of the Heart (Part 1)

Let’s talk about emotions…

The ones that do not feel good, the ones that we know are not good for us and yet they can come up time and time again.

Let’s discuss how they often also lead us to forgiveness, time and time again.

Let’s chat about anger and even frustration.

I don’t know who needs of hear this but keep seeking God through ALL the moments and ALL the feelings. Because even in the midst of many emotions, God can grow such beauty.

Still, we need to seek God time and time again, leaning into Him in order to see it and receive it.

It is about the moments.

Sometimes, the simplest days and moments make for the best memories… if our eyes are not overshadowed by the emotions that are not good for our souls.

Read part 1 of this two-part post here and stay tuned for an episode about it too on the podcast.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKING, Purpose, New Year Same GodJen KosudaMay 24, 2023blogging, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, truth seeking, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, mental health matters, no regrets, presence over presents, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, it is possible, lessons learned, anything is possible, my story, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, pray about it, pray-stepping, time is a friend, time is not an excuse, anger, emotions, heart check, judas, renew the mind, mindset shift, for lord, matters of the heart, heart motivation, breaking cycles, christian mom blog, christian wife, christian relationships, invite god in, anger opens the door for sin, forgiveness, freedom in christ, forgivenComment

How Will I Find the Time? Let’s Transform Time From Excuse to Friend

How Will I Find the Time? Let’s Transform Time From Excuse to Friend

How will I Find the Time?

Let’s transform time from excuse to friend!

Read the full post here and listen in episode #9 on the podcast.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKING, Purpose, New Year Same GodJen KosudaApril 12, 2023purpose, god's purpose, blogging, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, truth seeking, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, mom life, mental health matters, no regrets, perception, presence over presents, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, it is possible, lessons learned, birthdays, anything is possible, 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, stretch goals, dream chaser, goal setting, pray about it, pray-stepping, time is a friend, time is not an excuseComment

MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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