Enjoying Life Every Moment You Live

Do you enjoy every minute of your life?  If you’re like me, you would probably have to respond with a definite no.  While we want to enjoy every moment of life, there are often circumstances beyond our control that we must endure.  Some of these circumstances, ranging from minor ones like a flat tire on the way to work to major ones like the loss of a loved one, serve to squelch any positive feelings we may have when we first get out of bed in the morning.  Still, Jesus says that we should enjoy every day of our lives.  How can we enjoy everyday life, even in this imperfect world in which we live?  Jesus knew that life would be hard at times, so He tells us how to have joy on our journey.  In reality, it is not about enjoying every day of our life; it’s about enjoying every moment we live.

When Jesus walked on this earth, He did not experience unprecedented joy 365 days a year.  There were times when He prayed all night long, desperately seeking His Father’s will.  There were days that He was tempted by Satan.  Toward the end of His ministry, many people sought to kill Him and shortly thereafter, He was beaten and crucified.  While every day was not filled with laughter and joyous occasions, He had joy down inside of Him.  He wants His joy deep inside of us as well, so we can be full of joy at all times.  Jesus said, “‘These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full’” (John 15:11).  If we seek the will of our Heavenly Father, the joy of the Lord will remain in us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.  At the grocery store, on the job, or anytime, we can be full of joy when we follow Him.

Perhaps you are reading this, thinking, how can I possibly have joy?  I agree.  There are some things in life that are so very difficult to overcome.  In these moments, it is nearly impossible to find joy in the midst of our sorrow.  I am reminded of the days that my parents and I prepared funerals for my two baby brothers.  They were both born premature.  They never even had the opportunity to come home from the hospital.  Maybe you have also experienced grief through the loss of a child or another loved one.  Jesus gave us detailed instruction on how to find joy during difficult times.  Jesus states, “‘Therefore you now have sorrow; but […] your joy no one will take from you. […] Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full’” (John 16:22, 24).  No one can take away your joy.  While my parents and I grieved the loss of my baby brothers, we knew that God had a greater plan for our lives.  We knew that God would restore our joy, even though it seemed like a hopeless time in our lives.  God’s promises are true and He never fails.  If He promises that our sorrow will be turned into joy, then rest assured that it will happen (John 16:20).

You may be thinking...it’s too late.  My joy was gone a long time ago.  I gave it away.  There’s no way I’m ever getting it back.  I exchanged it for drugs, alcohol, or some other outlet that promised to bring me joy for a fleeting moment.  Your battle may be a personal one, where you are engaging in activities that are harmful to you physically, emotionally, or mentally.  Each day goes by and you wonder why you were even placed upon this earth.  You wonder if you will ever have joy again.  I want to encourage you today.  You were put on this earth for a purpose.  God knew that you would exist long before you were ever born.  You matter.  Put your trust in Jesus Christ.  There is joy to be found in the midst of your trials.  No matter what you are going through, Jesus will give you hope for a brighter future and joy to replace your sorrows.  Jesus loves you.  He gave His life for you.  Through His death, your sins have been washed away.  You are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God!  Call on the name of Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. 

If you are a Christian, there could be coworkers, friends, or family members who are trying to discourage you in your faith.  In the book of James, Christians are given the following advice: “‘[C]ount it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience’” (James 1:2).  Joy gives us the strength necessary to endure sorrowful times, or to overcome persecution from believers and non-believers alike.  Nehemiah 8:10 states, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  The Lord will give us strength to face every single challenge that life throws our way.  Does this mean that we should thank God for our trials?  No.  James shares this wisdom so we know that these trials, though difficult, will make us stronger.  We should rejoice in our trials, not for our trials.

Even in the midst of these trials, though, we can still enjoy living.  We may not enjoy everything that happens in life, but we can enjoy the fact that we are alive.  We can also enjoy more abundant life by applying the fruits of the spirit to our daily existence.  God’s Word declares, ^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).  By applying these “fruits” to our individual lives, we can learn to experience joy on a daily basis.  Psalm 1:3 says, “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”  The fruits of the spirit will enable us to succeed in everything we do: great or small.  Through these successes, our lives will take on a greater meaning and we can experience divine happiness, something that cannot come from the worldly pleasures we encounter.  Divine happiness is God-given.  It is a type of joy that abounds when life is wonderful and even when times are tough.  Through this joy in our lives, we can enjoy living life, even with the flat tires that inconvenience us and the great losses that threaten to overwhelm us.

God created this earth and He provides us daily with the means to enjoy and value everyday life.  While some days will be harder than others, we can face each day with the calm assurance that God is in control.  We can boldly go forth, with the assurance that He will always bring us joy, even in the depths of despair.  While we may not always enjoy every moment in life, we can certainly be grateful for and enjoy every moment we are alive.  Every day is a blessing from above.  I Timothy 6:17 states, God “gives us richly all things to enjoy.”  God wants us to be joyful.  He wants us to rejoice in our trials, not for our trials.  By focusing on the fruits of the spirit as the backbone of our countenance, we can truly enjoy every moment we live.  By doing so, we can value life and live a life of value.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Adore Him!

The Christmas trees are being taken down, the decorations are being carefully packed away, and the gifts are being put to good use.  All of the Christmas cookies have been eaten.  And many people have likely placed their Christmas music in storage until next December.  That is, of course, unless you are like me.  You may still have one of your favorite Christmas CDs in your car, holding on to the Christmas season as long as you possibly can.  In my SUV, that CD is “A Brooklyn Tabernacle Christmas.”

This particular CD reminds me of the wonderful memories I have of sitting in the Brooklyn Tabernacle hearing the angelic voices join together in song to celebrate the Savior’s birth.  Then, I start to recall the overwhelming peace and joy I felt as the congregation sang the words from the beloved carol, “O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”  It was in this moment that I realized once and for all that Christmas is not a season or a holiday.  Christmas is a time to adore Jesus Christ.  Christ is all about adoring Him.

You see, Christmas is not just a day at all.  Christmas is a state of mind.  It’s the way we smile a little bigger, embrace our loved ones harder, and laugh a lot more.  It’s the way we give more, complain less, and maintain a cheerier disposition.  It’s how we sing a little louder and love our family and friends even more.  Ultimately, Christmas is about the moment we realize that Jesus Christ truly is our Lord and Savior, the King of Kings who was born in a manger of hay in a stable.  And Christmas reminds us that He was not only born one Christmas night, but He grew up to be a man.

For the little boy whose birth we celebrate on December 25^th each year is the same One who gave His life on a cross for the sole purpose of washing away our sins.  He suffered and died just so that you and I could have eternal life.  John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  You may be wondering why God sent His only Son to die on a cross.  The answer is simple.  He wanted to give us the greatest gift that has ever been given.  That’s how much He loves you and me, not just on Christmas, but every day of the year.

While I realize there may not be room in our homes for a Christmas tree all year through, I pray that there is always room in our hearts to remember the most miraculous birth ever recorded in the history of mankind.  I challenge you this year to keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your heart every single day.  Do something nice for someone when they least expect it.  Call someone to let them know you were thinking of them.  Write a note to someone to let them know you are praying for them.  Visit a nursing home, volunteer in a school, or donate to a local charity.  Hug your family and tell them you love them even more.  Do something in the spirit of Christmas every day of the year.  Why?  Just because.

Oh, and about that Christmas CD in your car…keep that there, too.  People always say they adore their kids, their husband, or their wife.  They even adore their house, puppy, kitten, car, motorcycle, smartphone, laptop, sweater, jeans, purse, you name it!  While all of this is well and good, I am sure with all of this adoration being spread around that no one will look at you funny if you listen to a song adoring Him, even in the month of January.  So, please join me in raising our voices in unison as we maintain a Christmas state of mind all year through!  “O, come let us adore Him!”

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

358 Days and Counting!

Can you believe that the first full week of the year 2013 is now history?  Seven days of the New Year have already come and gone.  Either those New Year’s resolutions you and I made are clicking right along or else they have fallen by the wayside.  There are now only 358 days remaining to make a difference in the year 2013.  Only 358 more opportunities to start the day with a smile on your face, make someone’s day brighter, or end the day with thanksgiving to God for blessing you with another day to love, another day to laugh, and another day to live.

Living is what my New Year’s resolution is all about.  Sure, I’ve made resolutions in the past to lose weight, consume less sugar, exercise more, etc.  While I still plan to work on these things, I wanted to make a resolution that I could stick to, one that would make a difference not only in my own life, but in the lives of others around me.  And so, my New Year’s resolution for 2013 is to love life more, love my family and friends more, and love Jesus Christ even more.  Granted, I already love all of these things with all of my heart and soul, but I still know that there is an infinite amount of love in the world, so there is always more love to give.  And that’s what I want to do in 2013: give more love to the ones I love the most!

In life, we get so busy that it is easy to get wrapped up in our daily routines, not even realizing the day-to-day blessings that God bestows upon us.  It could be a hug, a smile, a handshake, or a sweet note, a smiley face, or a cup of coffee.  Even the smallest little things can make a huge difference in our day.  We may even set out to bless someone else in return, thinking we will pay it forward and do something nice for them tomorrow.  365 days later, the year has come and gone, seemingly unbeknownst to us.  We don’t mean to forget, but the year comes and goes so fast that we simply lose track of time.  And so, I urge you to make the most of every single day, even on the busiest of days.

Don’t let one minute sneak by you.  Enjoy every moment of your life, whether you are at the office, sitting in a hospital waiting room, or riding the subway home in the evening.  It doesn’t matter if you are walking down the aisles of the grocery store, driving your son or daughter to soccer practice, or waiting at a red light, there is always a blessing waiting just around the bend.   Sometimes, it comes when we least expect it.  And sadly, there are times when it comes and we don’t notice it at all.  That’s why we need to pay special attention to every day of the year.  Why?  You never know if tomorrow might end up being recorded in your book of memories as the best day of 2013!

What about you?  What are your resolutions for 2013?  What goals do you hope to achieve?  What hurdles do you hope to jump over?  Who can you love more?  How can you enjoy life more?  I would like to give you a little assignment.  I challenge you to post a comment below where you list one resolution you have for the New Year.  Big or small, write one thing down.  You’ll be surprised at how writing it down can be the little nudge you need to watch yourself actually achieve whatever it is you set out to accomplish!  Plus, we’re all in this together.  I’d be happy to pray for you and help encourage you in your journey to success!  May God bless you always and may you always remember to live every moment to the fullest!  There are 51 weeks left of 2013!  What are you waiting for?  Get out there and LIVE!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Land of the Living

A couple of weeks ago, I purchased four sympathy cards for four different families who had lost loved ones.  There’s something a little unnerving and very sad about buying four sympathy cards in the same day.  As I stood there reading the verses in the cards, I wondered how those overly repeated words could possibly have any meaning at such a difficult time in these families’ lives.  Still, I hoped the thoughts and prayers being tucked inside the card would bring some form of comfort to their broken hearts.

That same week, we said goodbye to a family friend who was an elder in our church and first and foremost, a dear man of God.  Earlier this spring, I attended the memorial service for a fourteen year old girl.  Several friends have lost parents and other loved ones in recent months, while others are battling cancer and other illnesses.  And one thing I’ve noticed is that age doesn’t make a difference, ethnic background doesn’t play a part, and socioeconomic status is not a variable either.  No one is immune to death any more than they are immune to life.

Ecclesiastes 3:2 (NIV) says, there is “a time to be born and a time to die.”  As Christians, the Bible tells us that we do not have to grieve as those who have no hope (I Thessalonians 4:13 NIV).  Instead, we should rejoice because the end of our life on this earth is the beginning of something far greater.  For if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, this world is just a waiting room, a temporary resting place, on our journey to our eternal home.  While some people may regard Earth as paradise, others do not find that it fits this description.

My dad often tells a profound story he heard on the radio broadcast of Dr. J. Allen Blair.  A man had lived for the Lord all of his life and was lying upon his death bed.  One of his friends sitting beside him said, “‘Farewell, brother.  I shall never see you again in the land of the living.’”  The dying man said, “‘You will see me again in the land of the living, for I am leaving the land of the dying.’”  You see, this man knew that this world is not a permanent dwelling place.  He knew there was something better waiting on the other side.

In the meantime, we need to enjoy life.  We need to embrace our family more, tell them we love them more, and spend time with them more.  We need to live more fully, laugh more heartily, and love more deeply.  I can tell you from experience, you will never regret an extra kind word spoken.  You will never be able to take too many photographs of someone dear to you.  And you will never feel like you spent too much time with someone you love.  Cherish life and never let a day go by without thanking God for another sunrise, another memory, another breath.

Live life like you are on a trip to somewhere you’ve never been but have always dreamed of going.  Don’t let the trials you face in life steal your joy.  The life we live down here may be full of heartache, sorrow, and despair.  But where we are going is full of jubilation and peace forevermore.  God’s Word tells us that we cannot comprehend what God has in store for us.  It is truly beyond the limits of our imagination.  And one day, when we have fought the good fight and finished our race, we will step through those gates of pearl and enter into the presence of the Lord God Almighty.  This, my friend, is when we will finally realize that we have been living in the land of the dying.  But we’re going to the land with no tears, no pain, and no death.  That’s Heaven.  That’s the Land of the Living.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Something New

I’d like to invite you think back to the day when you last purchased something new.  Perhaps it was a new car, a new pair of shoes, or even a new bag of potato chips.  Do you remember that “new car smell?”  Or the way your new shoes were so clean and bright?  And it’s always more fun to pull out the first whole potato chip, as opposed to reaching down in the bag for the last few crumbs!

What is it about something new?  It makes us feel happy and at times, it may even bring back fond childhood memories of a new bicycle or a new puppy or kitten to love.  As humans, we are not generally attracted to old, ugly, discarded pieces of merchandise.  While someone once said that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” we can be assured that there are some pieces of trash that are just that: trash.  Still, we continuously find ourselves trying to sell this “trash” at yard sales, flea markets, and the like.  Or we may determine that something we own simply needs to be placed in the infamous “file 13.”  No matter how they get rid of the “junk,” people usually follow the old adage, “Out with the old and in with the new.”

Every 365 days, we are given something new: a new year.  Every year, we virtually are given the chance to hit the reset button.  We have the chance to live a fuller life, love a lot deeper, and laugh even harder.  A new year brings with it the opportunity to make amends with family or friends or spend more time with your parents, spouse, or children.  Yet, in our rush to get through another day, there are times when we simply stick to our old ways.

Likewise, there are times when we keep driving the same car, even though it’s broken down five times in the last week.  God may have even sent the money for the down payment on a new car, but we keep putting it off until next week.  And those new shoes in the closet never get worn because they’re not “broken in” yet.  So, we continue wearing our ragged pair instead.  Then we can hardly finish our work day because of the pain in our feet from the worn out soles that offer no support.

Similarly, you may already be ignoring the New Year.  Instead of using this fresh start as a reset button, you may be continuing to live as before.  You might be living in fear, feeling unloved, or struggling with no hope in sight.  You may have plans to give God your life next week, next month, or next year.  Your old life is “broken in” and while it has its flaws, a life with God may seem even more uncomfortable, much like a new pair of shoes.  Yet, a life with God will be clean and bright, filled with God’s amazing unconditional love and grace.

God often opens doors for us in our lives.  He may open the door to a better paying job, a new home, or a new family.  He may even open the door to a new life with God at the center.  When God opens a door, He gives us the choice as to whether or not we will walk through it.  If we just stand there on the wrong side of the door, nothing will change.  But if we take that first step across the threshold, everything changes.

God’s Word says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).  This is the 29th day of the year.  Don’t wait any longer to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He will restore your hope, fill you with joy, and mend your broken heart.  Throw out the old, ugly parts of your life and replace them with new, joyous ones.  Take that first step.  Walk through the door.  Embrace this New Year by beginning a new life in Christ.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Cherish Life - In Memory of Corporal Gary Edwards

On the way to church yesterday morning, I clearly recall that I was quite concerned over the fact that I had forgotten to apply mascara and did not bring a comfortable pair of shoes for shopping later in the afternoon.  In addition, we were running a little late, which compounded the problem.  As we slid into the pew just as the service was beginning, I took a deep breath, trying not to worry about these minor details that had seemingly grown to major league proportions.  All of the sudden, all of these minor details vanished, overwrought by unexpected news that jolted me to the core.

As the service began, a dear friend delivered news that Corporal Gary Edwards, the School Resource Officer at the school where I teach, had passed away Sunday morning from injuries sustained in an accident.  The Ford Ranger he was driving was struck by a drunk driver.  The impact caused his vehicle to veer into a utility pole.  He was taken off of life support late Sunday morning.  As I sat there listening to the words my friend spoke, I was stunned.  That morning, I had been awakened by an unpleasant dream.  Now, I felt as if I was living a nightmare.  Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to hear news like this.  Only a few moments before, my major concern was whether or not I was wearing mascara.  Soon, I realized that mascara would have only made black streaks on my cheeks, due to the tears that welled up in my eyes.

My heart crumbled with every single word.  I sat there in disbelief as I tried to process the information I had just been given.  This Christian man, who loved the Lord with all of his heart and also loved his family more than anything, was taken from this world in an instant.  There was no indication that this would be his last day on earth.  He had lived on this earth for 43 years, always smiling, always lending a hand, always abiding by the commandment to love one another.  He leaves behind a loving wife and two precious daughters.  I can’t help but wonder…  Of all the people in the world, how could this happen to someone who was so loving, so supportive, and so genuine?  Why did this have to happen at all?

In life, there are no guarantees.  We may be here one day, and then we may be gone the next.  One simple action can be the difference between life and death.  The driver of the other car could have been the one killed in Gary’s place.  But instead, the driver was taken to jail unscathed.  No single person on earth knows why these things happen the way they do.  Still, we know that God’s word remains true, even in trying times like these.  Romans 8:37-39 (NIV) states, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  No matter what difficult times may come, there is nothing that can take away God’s love.  Not even death nor life can take us away from the unconditional love that He continually pours out to us.

Tomorrow, when you go to work or school, I encourage you to do one thing.  No matter where you are or what you are doing, treasure life itself.  Show others around you that you have the blessed hope of Christ.  Reveal to them the special love that God bestows upon us.  Officer Edwards always had a smile on his face, a song in his heart, and a kind word on his lips.  The love of Jesus was evident in everything he did.  He was a wonderful husband to his wife Robyne, father to his daughters Tyla and Toi, and friend to everyone who knew him.  Above all, he was the prime example of a Christian who loved the Lord with all of his heart.  Although we are sad without this special individual in our lives, we can find comfort in the fact that we will see him again in Heaven, if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Do not wait until it is too late.  There are no guarantees in life.  Live.  Love.  Laugh.  Live every moment to the fullest.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  Laugh and share joy with others.  Cherish life.  It is God’s gift to you.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

If Every Day Was Sunday

Did you ever wonder what it would be like if every day was Sunday?  Today, I find myself wishing this to be true.  Sundays are the one day a week when I can slow down, take a deep breath, and truly enjoy the day.  There are generally no deadlines to meet, no work-related phone calls to make, and no stressful situations to wade through.  Instead, there are delightful conversations with friends and family, uplifting church services to attend, and delicious food of which to partake.  Not to mention the fact that Sunday afternoons also bring several luxuries to me personally: surfing the web, working on my blog, and one of my absolute favorites, playing the piano.  But the one thing I like the most about Sunday is not the absence of stress or the ability to do as I please.  The thing I enjoy the most is the fact that people around the world are simultaneously lifting up their voices in praise to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

Additionally, the arrival of Sunday morning means that Christians in all four corners of the world are standing together in prayer, united together.  If only for a moment, their hearts are joined in one accord.  God’s Word says where two or three are gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ, there He will be in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20).  Just imagine how the angels must rejoice in Heaven when thousands upon thousands gather together on Sunday.  What would the world be like if Christians united together every single day of the week?  How would the news change if Christians everywhere met each morning to pray?  Surely, the world would no longer be the same.  Life would change for the better if every day was Sunday.
 

Philippians 4:4 (NIV) says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  Paul does not say to rejoice in the Lord only on Sundays.  Instead, he says that we should rejoice always.  Even if we are sitting in an emergency room waiting room, we can still rejoice in the Lord.  If we are bombarded with constant stress at work, finding ourselves being pulled in every direction, we can still rejoice in the Lord.  And if we find ourselves in the darkest valley we have ever walked through, we can still rejoice in the Lord.  Paul is not saying to rejoice for the difficulties that may arise, but to rejoice in the Lord always.  There is never a moment when a Christian should not be filled with the joy of the Lord.  If you feel weak, remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength!  Rejoice, be glad, and thank God for every single day He gives you.
 

The psalmist David gives us similar advice when he writes, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 ESV).  David does not tell us that Sunday is the only day the Lord has made.  The exact word he uses is the word, “This.”  While this may apply to a particular day, such as the day when Christ returns to take His children home, we could also apply this advice to any day of the year.  God has given us 365 days a year to either enjoy or dread.  No matter what is going on in your life, there is always something to be thankful for.  There is always a reason to rejoice.  This morning, you woke up.  That is a miracle in itself.  Thank God for the miracles in your life.  Rejoice every single day.  Rejoice in every situation.  Rejoice as if every day was Sunday.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer