tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.comments2017-04-01T15:11:57.712-07:00Just Rip the BandaidJennD.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16009251058684159197noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-35757541472415672312017-04-01T15:11:57.712-07:002017-04-01T15:11:57.712-07:00That's awesome and oh so true! Some of the dea...That's awesome and oh so true! Some of the dearest friends in my life say they warmed to me once they saw that although I was serious at times, I didn't take myself too seriously. Plus, I like to think my humility serves as a reminder than no one is more important that God. Nothing we do is so great to overshadow His greatness. In life there are too many dire and grave moments -- those are the ones to really be present for and to take seriously. Making a big deal out of small circumstances fatigues us & we won't be truly prepared for the major moments. Life is short -- laugh and enjoy it and Praise God for all His glory and for beautiful women like you, Jenn who take the time to share from your heart and remind us what's truly important in life! xoxoBehnaznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-55013563674948786012017-03-20T20:00:16.819-07:002017-03-20T20:00:16.819-07:00Love this! You got me laughing at the ways I can r...Love this! You got me laughing at the ways I can relate to your dinner role, and you kept me with the thought provoking comments about my legacy. Agreed, I want to be remembered as a daughter of God who saw others through His eyes more and more!Raechelle Rodrigueznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-79646530005339810422017-03-20T12:44:29.115-07:002017-03-20T12:44:29.115-07:00Amen friend, well said💗Amen friend, well said💗JennD.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16009251058684159197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-18939228812297396502017-03-20T12:42:03.253-07:002017-03-20T12:42:03.253-07:00Aw thank you friend💗 Keeping it real 😉Aw thank you friend💗 Keeping it real 😉JennD.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16009251058684159197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-84747162694562596462017-03-20T11:35:59.226-07:002017-03-20T11:35:59.226-07:00Yes, humility is transformative. Knowing the ident...Yes, humility is transformative. Knowing the identity we bear in Christ is far better than anything we can conjure up in our own ability. The purpose of life is to bring him glory. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04544570700069372188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-67217353304429951982017-03-03T18:29:52.621-08:002017-03-03T18:29:52.621-08:00Amazing post, Jenn. So true, so inspiring. I share...Amazing post, Jenn. So true, so inspiring. I shared with my husband - great reminder for anyone. <3HeatherMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08076353367818856757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-75253561091534579892017-01-20T08:40:11.902-08:002017-01-20T08:40:11.902-08:00Ugh! That was my first response. You spoke right ...Ugh! That was my first response. You spoke right to me - right to my experiences and right to how I handle myself. Of course the pain comes when I am finally quiet....but I'm only quiet because I'm exhausted from having created so much noise & distraction from the pain! I can handle anything when there is certainty. I can handle things when there is less certainty but I am a but more reluctant in my approach. Now I know why -- when you said "There is no magic date or light at the end of the tunnel/ That is the thing about pain - it takes any route possible and provides no time frame for how long it will last." Well, if I don't know how long the route is, I'm less likely to start down that road in earnest!! But I know all the noise eventually quiets down. I know that it's God who's providing me the space & the silence. I know He does it when He thinks I'm ready (or when I've avoided long enough!). After reading your post, I want to be more aware, more proactive in shutting out the distractions on my own and sooner than usual. I want to be present and I want to be fierce in the face of pain. Easy & empowering to say now...now that I'm happy. So the next time I'm avoiding the silence and darkness, I'll recall your piece and know that if I run towards it I am not running alone, I am running with God and with a friendship like yours. You're a blessing to me! Behnaz Nelsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-21073071406157815022017-01-19T18:46:58.316-08:002017-01-19T18:46:58.316-08:00Thank you for your sweet words. I spent a majority...Thank you for your sweet words. I spent a majority of my life not knowing how to deal with my emotions or situations; I ran from dealing with any of it and masked it with so many things that didn't fix or fill that void. Thankful for a God who can heal those deep places and walk with us on this journey. So thankful for my friends and family who have given so much love, support and laugher along the way;) You have an amazing way of always knowing when to text something funny at just the right time of day!!! Love you girlie. JennD.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16009251058684159197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-8923518322253697132017-01-19T18:35:37.064-08:002017-01-19T18:35:37.064-08:00Does seem impossible in this day and age, I guess ...Does seem impossible in this day and age, I guess shut it off enough for your taste and listen to what God is speaking. So many times I sit down to read my bible or hear from God and all of the sudden there is a million texts, calls, emails, door knocking, etc. Everything that could possibly distract, will. I like what you said about that we have the power and ability to shut it off, great way to approach it. Thanks for reading my posts friend, I appreciate your texts of encouragement, laughter and support. JennD.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16009251058684159197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-76879029360561150962017-01-19T18:32:26.150-08:002017-01-19T18:32:26.150-08:00So well said. Not sure I am the first to raise my ...So well said. Not sure I am the first to raise my hand for suffering and refining, but when I don't fight it and allow God to work and move I am always amazed at what He can do! Thanks for your comment friend, means a lot:) I appreciate your support. JennD.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16009251058684159197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-53300682881837929602017-01-19T16:55:39.103-08:002017-01-19T16:55:39.103-08:00Beautifully written; powerful, sad, true. Such a b...Beautifully written; powerful, sad, true. Such a blessing to be able to live and feel through the pain rather than run away or numb yourself from it. Only when you have gone through it for real, can the healing really happen. ❤️Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-59571847259122605922017-01-19T08:46:49.532-08:002017-01-19T08:46:49.532-08:00Great post Jenn. Just some rambling thoughts- Shut...Great post Jenn. Just some rambling thoughts- Shutting off the "white noise" seems impossible as it is always running. It feels like an essential part of life like breathing. It would be weird to have silence, it would be uncomfortable but it is necessary. Acknowledging that we have the power and ability to shut it off is strange and wonderful. - keep the posts coming. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04544570700069372188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-18528064420962721312017-01-19T07:25:58.343-08:002017-01-19T07:25:58.343-08:00I love when you said, "As painful as all of i...I love when you said, "As painful as all of it was, I can sit here today and say that I am a changed person. That version of me is gone and a refined, restored, healed person resides today." That is one reason why God allows us to go through trials in life, because it refines us. It shows us what or who we are putting our hope in as we work to put that hope back in God.Thanks for the post!Julienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-82421259803494142072016-12-13T16:07:00.860-08:002016-12-13T16:07:00.860-08:00Yes I thought about putting up walls and not inves...Yes I thought about putting up walls and not investing anymore in relationships. Been burned so badly, why keep doing that to myself?? But that is not what God asks of me. If I let him fill the void and be my everything, then the walls aren't needed and I don't have to deprive myself from other healthy, fruitful, amazing relationships that God has had waiting for me. I would've greatly missed huge growth opportunities this year had I just done what was my 'go to' emotionally. Glad God had other plans:) Love focusing on Him calling us His beloved. Love that He still chooses me even though I sometimes wouldn't even choose me hahaha. JennD.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16009251058684159197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-61952513352673140692016-12-05T16:04:54.877-08:002016-12-05T16:04:54.877-08:00Powerful perspective! I am struck by the comment a...Powerful perspective! I am struck by the comment about when rejection knocks on our doors again. Maybe we hope or naively think we can put up walls so it won't happen again. If we love God and love people as directed...it will come knocking. Thanks for the insightful reminder that I get to choose to focus on the rejection, or instead focus on who God says I am- His beloved! Raechelle Rodrigueznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-15924953513236431782016-12-02T13:52:01.323-08:002016-12-02T13:52:01.323-08:00What a brutally honest show of vulnerability. Read...What a brutally honest show of vulnerability. Reading your heartfelt admissions and seeing how you've come through these ordeals is both humbling & inspiring. You're right, it's easy to wallow in the "whys" of it all or even to only put a toe back in the water for fear of again being rejected. But we do need to remember our path is laid out by the hand of God Almighty. He not only puts us on this path but He walks beside us so we never suffer alone. He doesn't lay a bed of roses for us because through rejection comes resilience and our growth is a reflection of aids image. I know your experiences have given me insight and for whatever comfort this brings you I hope it helps to know your trials weren't without purpose. xoBehnaz Nelsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-48892602294038181652016-11-03T11:07:49.095-07:002016-11-03T11:07:49.095-07:00Another insightful & oh so relevant piece! Th...Another insightful & oh so relevant piece! Thanks for your wisdom Jenn. This topic hits me mostly at work. In my job as a Director, I'm often asked by staff for permission to work on projects, spend money on trainings or even to make changes within our office dynamic. Being fairly new to a leadership role and leading people who are more senior in tenure & age, I found myself being easily swayed or taking the path of least resistance for not wanting to cause dissention. Sometimes I just didn't want to be the bad guy & say no. It only took a couple times of being taken advantage of & then having to undue or live with the consequence to realize I needed to change. My natural impulse is to help people succeed and to want to say yes. I had to learn to fight that. Here's the tool I pulled out to help me. I put a post-it note on my computer that says "Let me think about it". I recited that phrase umpteen times a day to make it part of my mindset & vocabulary. One time my son asked for water and I replied with my mantra and he looked at me funny wondering why I needed to think about giving him water!!! What saying that phrase does is buy me time & give me space to pray on the issue, and wait for God to give me guidance. Making space for prayer and stepping away from the immediate need to respond has made a huge difference. I even feel more balanced & know my responses are more thoughtful and well intentioned. I do love knowing there's another tool for my tool belt. I'll be sure and use the pause button just as I would my post-it note!!! Bless you and your kindness in sharing your grace and heart. xoBehnaznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-61080429471875316042016-11-03T11:06:40.011-07:002016-11-03T11:06:40.011-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Behnaznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-58819686924243894572016-10-19T22:13:03.916-07:002016-10-19T22:13:03.916-07:00Loss is never easy to process, yet we find comfort...Loss is never easy to process, yet we find comfort in the fact that God has every detail. Thinking of you!!lovingmylifeeachdayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01826267401373867962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-25504014841903383432016-10-19T21:55:58.111-07:002016-10-19T21:55:58.111-07:00Thank you, friend! Wonderfully said. Praying for S...Thank you, friend! Wonderfully said. Praying for Sheri and her family. Love you GREATLY!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15553372575708676550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-3813683377802080672016-10-19T21:55:50.709-07:002016-10-19T21:55:50.709-07:00Thank you, friend! Wonderfully said. Praying for S...Thank you, friend! Wonderfully said. Praying for Sheri and her family. Love you GREATLY!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15553372575708676550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-14524665812985411222016-10-19T19:44:58.534-07:002016-10-19T19:44:58.534-07:00You would think it would be easier when you know t...You would think it would be easier when you know the life that is waiting for us in eternity...but it doesn't. How human of us. But beautiful things come from our human stumbling towards understanding things eternal...beautiful things like your words. Thank you for sharing, sweet friend. Praying for Sheri and her family tonight.J. Sweehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06624446718661286003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-15316414387978964732016-10-18T13:40:03.414-07:002016-10-18T13:40:03.414-07:00Great way to say it Behnaz! I definitely have expe...Great way to say it Behnaz! I definitely have experienced both in my own life. Being there for someone as they walk through hard times and having people show up when I myself can't get out of bed because the pain of life is too great. I love how God uses all of us, if we are willing, to bring love and encouragement to one another. Thank you for being a faithful reader��. JennD.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16009251058684159197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-6026044809946963792016-10-16T21:25:48.111-07:002016-10-16T21:25:48.111-07:00Amen!! When it's darkest for us, we forget to ...Amen!! When it's darkest for us, we forget to look around & see who God sent to walk with us, pray for us & simply be a guide to the light for us. Thanks for the reminder to be on the lookout for others who need someone to stand in the gap for them. Doing for others is showing God''s love & it puts our own troubles in perspective. Behnaznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941438684987395782.post-62476317088663977622016-10-10T22:11:50.036-07:002016-10-10T22:11:50.036-07:00Great job, my friend! Very well said. You're s...Great job, my friend! Very well said. You're speaking right to me. I needed that reminder. Love you GREATLY! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15553372575708676550noreply@blogger.com