Devotionals — The Art Of A Messy House

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

THE ROCKING CHAIR CHALLENGE

I think a lot.

Anyone else relate?

I remember doing so from my earliest memories as a little girl. I still do this today. So there is a pretty good chance I will still be thinking and reflecting on my rocking chair four, five or even six decades from now.

Thinking…

which made me think of the rocking chair test.

Ever hear of it?

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaApril 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 regretsComment

“LO AND BEHOLD,” THE TRUE STREETS OF GOLD

Bob Marley once said. “Don’t gain the world and lose your soul; wisdom is better than silver and gold.”

I mean think of Proverbs‬ ‭8:10-11, “Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.”

For me though, the silver and gold I sought was- TO BELONG. it wasn’t to those who accepted me as I was. Instead, as a preteen/teen I always quietly had my eyes distracted by the popular crowds, trends and fleeting things.

Trends are just that right?

Fleeting…

yet, wisdom remains precious…

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaMarch 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 Comments

DON’T KNOCK IT BEFORE YOU TRY IT. DON’T JUDGE IT EVER

Don’t knock it before you try it. Don’t judge it before..

Well, NEVER judge it. That's not our job to do.

Do you know what that last photo below is a picture of?

As of last July, I need to be honest, I did not know much. However, God was teaching me much more than just what a shofar was too…

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaMarch 22, 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, joshuaComment

CRY ME A RIVER AND I'LL TELL YOU WHO PARTS THE SEA

I am sensitive, but I am strong.

My sensitivity is a strength despite what I once thought. Growing up, I was ashamed of it. However, just like fear is a lie. Shame is one too, chaining us back.

Being sensitive was and is not my weakness. Sure, everything needs to be balanced, renewed and adjusted. Still, sensitivity can be strength, and it can often be raw & beautiful. And here is a story of how my kids reminded me of that too…

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaMarch 14, 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, tearsComment

WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND UNTIL WE BREAK THE SPIN

Life can make me as busy as a bee but Lord, give me eyes to see. Let me tell you of a time that made me t remember that. It involves two moms, 2 kids, a park, a cop and a bee…

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaMarch 7, 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, growthComment

YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE...

And why would you want to?

We can’t hide from God’s love.

It is there and shining.

It wants to shine through us but how many times do we run from the moments right before our eyes. Living in the moment has not come easy for me. I can tell you I have missed the mark on this, missing the moments, time and time again. My to-do list was my priority.

Still, have you ever tried to run from something, you know you should face?

I certainly have and well, it has taught me some important lessons along the way…

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaFebruary 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, growthComment

THEY SAY THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER

They say the grass is always greener on the other side, BUT not if you live with my husband. Wait what!

Let me explain…

To put it simply, my husband loves our grass and it drives me crazy. (I’m sure it also drove him crazy when I decided I was strongly against pesticides.) Still, I digress…

Oh those conflicts…

those differences in opinion…

They can truly become dissecting divisions in a relationship. Or they can become challenging convictions. But no matter what, they are ALL opportunities. Okay let me explain as this is totally an area I am still working on…

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaFebruary 22, 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, relationshipsComment

WHEN OPPORTUNITY COMES KNOCKING…

Knock! Knock! Who’s there?

How will you ever know if you don’t answer?

Yet, if your life is anything like mine, sometimes those doors don’t have windows. Therefore, I can’t take a sneak peek at what lies on the other side. Sometimes, all I have to go on are the prompts and God’s words. All I have is my trust and faith in Him.

And despite the stubborn planner in me…

All I have is all I NEED. #Jesus

So let’s talk more about those doors of life...

Sometimes they open.

Sometimes they close.

But with each opening and each closing, there is an opportunity because…

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaFebruary 14, 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, trustComment

DON'T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK: THE THINGS KIDS REMEMBER

Don’t cry over spilled milk, it has been said. Just pour some over your head, instead.

Wait what?!

We will call this one…

Don’t cry over spilled milk: the things kids remember…

Have you ever experienced guilt? Mom guilt? Teacher guilt? Friend guilt? Daughter guilt? Sister guilt? GUILT… the guilt of what you wish you did or didn’t do?

I know I certainly have. I spent way too long in that space and am forever grateful that I do not need to stay there. Ever! No one does.

Let me explain…

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaFebruary 7, 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 MAMAComment

TRUTH SEEKING RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

Starting this week, there will be a new devotional on this topic weekly. While each title may speak figuratively, I pray and SEEK God to cover their messages in Truth!

I hope you’ll follow along in my journey to seek the Word of God in even the every day moments.

It may be an imperfect ride.

It may get messy.

It will get real.

But I promise to be authentic.

So, come and follow along as I follow Christ in faith every day… living and learning to seek the Truth and walk with

EVERY DAY FAITH