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Friday, February 14 2014

“She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.”

Proverbs 31:25

Her smile is contagious!  The kind of smile that immediately causes you to stop and take notice. She diligently instructs the Barbell Class I attend at the gym week after week.  However, it is not her physical strength which draws me to her.

The tragic circumstances she had recently endured were not evident in her appearance.  It had been a little more than a year since Regina suffered the sudden and unimaginable loss of her dear husband, Edward.  She lost her helpmate and their two children, Eden and Edward Jr., lost their daddy. 

Edward, who had a fear of water, set out to conquer his anxiety by training in the open waters of Joe Pool Lake on August 20, 2012.  With several completed triathlons behind him, he was hoping to make better on his time in the swimming division of the up and coming Half Iron Man Triathlon. Changing his clothes and rushing out the door, he lovingly took time to kiss Regina and promised, as he had so many times before, to return in a couple hours for dinner.

As the evening passed with no sign or word from Edward, Regina anxiously began to worry. This sort of behavior was not typical of her husband.  He was never late - at least not without a phone call explaining why and when he planned to be home.   Call after call went straight to his voicemail.  So Regina went looking.   Racing to the boat ramp at Lynn Creek Park, a disturbing feeling came over Regina as she noticed Edward’s car parked right where he had left it.  His towel still folded and laying on the front seat, awaiting his return from the water.  Edward, who was forty-five years old and in excellent physical condition was missing and everything suddenly changed for Regina.

A two-day search and the watch on his wrist revealed that Edward had accidentally been tangled in some hydrilla and drowned only twelve minutes into his training. They would have been married eight years.

Can one ever really understand why such things occur?  Why Edward?  Why Me?  Why Now?  Circumstances like these often conjure up an endless stream of unanswered questions, coupled with anger, resentment and fear. The death of Edward left Regina a widow with two small children, ages four and fifteen months. 


Posted by: Jeneen AT 09:26 am   |  Permalink   |  1 Comment  |  Email
Wednesday, January 22 2014

Contentment

It's a beautiful thing!  

I was reminded of the necessity of contentment today through a conversation with my son.  Many are awaiting personal shifts in the seasons of life right now.  Waiting on God to make good on His promises.

Often, year after year, our patience wears thin, leading to bouts of complaining, attitudes of unthankfulness and endless searches for immediate gratification.  We research the latest trends and abruptly decide we need new decor for the house or perhaps even a new house, new clothes for our self-esteem, a career change, or possibly just an amazing last minute deal on a trip that whisks us away from our mundane routines...

Whatever you might be feeling, Zig Ziglar writes,

“The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want NOW!

1 Timothy 6:6 declares that “godliness WITH contentment is great gain.”

That means that godliness and contentment are a congruous pair.  To truly walk with God, one must surrender and allow His beautiful Spirit to morph us into godliness.  As believers, we trust Him with our paths and our futures, yielding our days to His timing. Assuredly, many can testify to having allowed this process to be at work in their lives, but fewer have understood the role that contentment plays in the journey.

Contentment says, “Though I thank you for what lies ahead, I am at peace HERE.” 

It is the calming assurance that our best is yet to come, while gently reminding us to breathe in the value of HERE.

HERE is a test. 

HERE has purpose.

When HERE ceases to have purpose, then God will move you THERE! 

And,THERE will not present itself without the attitude of contentment.  Cultivating a lifestyle of contentment will position you for promotion.

When was the last time you took inventory of your blessings instead of your wants and desires.  I would venture to believe that if asked, we could all quickly recite the many things we are currently waiting for and would certainly like to witness come to pass, but just for today let us not think on those things.  Let us BE STILL and find a place of quietness with the Lord to simply say THANK YOU for all that you have given me.  THANK YOU for your presence in my life.  THANK YOU for my health, safety and provision.  THANK YOU for teaching me.  THANK YOU for the place called HERE!

Posted by: Jeneen AT 03:07 pm   |  Permalink   |  5 Comments  |  Email
Thursday, January 09 2014

Created In His Image

Genesis 1:27

We begin 2014 with a greater hunger for God and His power.  Realizing this is not going to happen without any effort on our part, we commit to taking time in the evenings to come together, as a family, for the purpose of reading the Bible and prayer.

I must admit God brought me to my knees the first evening we sat down together.  I consider myself a loving individual.  Through the overwhelming forgiveness I have personally received from the Lord, I like to think that I have become a more merciful person as well.  As I look back over my life, I can see that I have always been drawn to the less-fortunate, the “underdogs,” those who live underprivileged lives at no choice of their own.  Oh, how I enjoy giving to these individuals and watching their faces light up as they realize that SOMEONE really does care about their seemingly unimportant lives.

This year God is speaking a new life-lesson to me.  EVERYONE has been created in the image of God.  Our Triune God gave special attention to create every person in our spheres of influence, including those surrounding us in social media and the entertainment world!  I don’t know about you but for some I just do not have the patience nor the tolerance!  

I look at their riotous lifestyles, despise their choices and before long find myself repulsed by these individuals instead of seeing them as God sees them.  Do not misunderstand me.  I wish them no harm, but I can’t say there is a warm, fuzzy feeling deep in my heart for them either.  

Catch my drift?  Do you ever find yourself more kind to the kindhearted?  More accepting of those who are lovable?  More merciful to the less-fortunate than you are to those who blatantly drove head first into a sea of really bad choices? 

When was the last time you wept for the wavering politician?  The evil murderer?  The lonely prostitute?  The gang member?  The abusive spouse?  The child molester? Or the high-class, rich executive who squandered the investments of many?

Even THESE were created in His image.  For even THESE the plan of God is good.  He longs to have a relationship with even THESE.  Will hate, separation, and judgement lead them to repentance?  How can we make a difference in their lives?  

This year I choose to view every human being as a creative masterpiece of God. My heart is changed, judgements washed clean.  In 2014, I resolve to see all as equal in the eyes of the Lord and I consciously choose to care!  How will you make a difference? 

Matthew 5:43-48

Posted by: Jeneen AT 02:45 pm   |  Permalink   |  2 Comments  |  Email
Wednesday, January 01 2014

                                       

Happy New Year 2014

I must say that 2013 was the very best year of my life and an amazing time to be a part of God's Kingdom.

I was talking to the Lord a few weeks ago and I said, "Lord, you're NOT  the Best thing to ever happen to me.  You ARE me.  Without Your Spirit living on the inside of me I do not even exist!  You are true life and every joy in my world."

 As we begin our first day of 2014, I want to strongly encourage each of you to discover an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you already walk daily with the Lord then let's take it up a notch this year.  I am personally seeking His face to go to a brand new level of power, passion, and prosperity.  

On the other hand, if you have never tried a life with Christ before now, I Double-Dog dare you!  Every human being is made up of soul, spirit, and body.  You will never experience a FULL life until you allow the precious Holy Spirit to dwell within your own personal spirit.  His love and power will transform you and your atmosphere.  

Thank you to everyone who gave of themselves in 2013 to help us take the truth of Christ around the world and impact lives.  2014 is declared a year of double portion.  Together, we will do great and mighty things in the earth.  May you obey God in all things and may 2014 be the year you have waited your whole life for.

Blessings and Grace,

Jeneen

Posted by: Jeneen AT 12:35 pm   |  Permalink   |  3 Comments  |  Email
Wednesday, December 18 2013

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding and abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that “worketh in us”....

Unto Him, be all glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen!”

Ephesians 3:20-21

I have learned that any good thing we do is actually the empowerment and grace of the Holy Spirit at work “in us.”  I sat with Eric and Mendy Anderson of Mission 615 in late October and listened as they shared their vision of blessing all the inner-city kids and the homeless men and women they minister to on a weekly basis with a gift for Christmas.  To some, it seemed like an unlikely plan, seeing that it was already the end of October, leaving only about six weeks to raise the money needed for the project.  Immediately, we shared their vision and climbed on board.

On November 4, we petitioned our partners of Repairing the Breach Ministries for generous contributions to meet the goal.  It is amazing as we read the verse above, often we are made to believe that it is JESUS Himself who is going to meet these goals exceeding and abundantly above all that we have asked Him for, but the truth is we are Christ’s ambassadors, His representatives throughout this earth.  Goals are met, the work of His kingdom goes forward through you and me as we obediently yield to that still small voice within our spirits.  Yes, God sees every need and the Holy Spirit empowers the need to be met, but understand that GOD chooses to use people!

I am joyful to announce that the budget for “OPERATION CHRISTMAS” was met and the unlikely vision in October became likely on December 14th because of your obedience and generosity!  On behalf of those who do not have a platform to say Thank you, I want to commend you!  I believe the Lord smiled as the true spirit of Christmas was kept alive in the giving of gifts.  To all who generously gave, may you reap a hundredfold return on your investment, coupled with peace, joy, health and true prosperity.

Merry Christmas from the staff of Repairing the Breach Ministries, Inc.

We love you and wish you a fulfilling 2014

Posted by: Jeneen AT 11:25 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, November 04 2013

 

Repairing the Breach Ministries, Inc. is excited to announce our Christmas Project for 2013.  We are honored to partner with our friends at Mission 615 in Nashville, TN, to be a blessing in the lives of nearly 200 inner city children and 200 homeless men and women this Christmas.

 

Our plan is to purchase a $25 gift for each child and a $25 backpack filled with necessary items for the men and women.  As you can see, the cost of this project is $10,000, but together with faithful, generous people like you we can make the season brighter for those less fortunate.

 

Remember, RTBM is a 501 (c)3  organization and all donations are tax-deductible.  We celebrate Christmas because God GAVE His only son so that you and I may have eternal life.  Won't you step out this holiday season beyond the needs and desires of your own family and BECOME the meaning of Christmas to someone else this year...BECOME A GIVER.

 

Contributions can be given by DECEMBER 7th simply by using our secure DONATE button located at the top of this page

or by mail at :

RTBM

PO BOX 775

Mansfield, TEXAS 76063

Posted by: Jeneen AT 08:01 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Thursday, October 31 2013

Living For the Applause

 

 

 

To quote the latest lyrics by Lady Gaga,

 

 “I live for the applause, applause, applause 

 I live for the applause-plause

 Live for the applause-plause 

Live for the way that you cheer and scream for me

the applause, applause, applause. ”

 

 

 

Yes, it is true.  This is only a song, but as I listened I couldn’t help but realize just how true these words are for all of us at times.  I dare to say that everyone suffers from “approval addiction” at some point in their lives.  Sadly, for some, it is an every day disease, eating LIFE right out of you.

 

Our minds are programmed by the definition of the American Dream long before we are able to comprehend the messages.  At one time the American Dream was defined as a hard working man or woman, who married his/her helpmate for life and together forged their own little piece of happiness, complete with a couple of kids, a house, a family vehicle and a dog named Lassie!

 

Nowadays, the definition of the American Dream vies for every ounce of our time, energy, attention, and perfection.  We are programmed to impress and driven by the applause of man - all at the expense of true fulfillment, joy, health, peace, and purpose. 

 

 

 

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “What am I doing?”

 

 

 

Instead of spending a lifetime as a people-pleaser, clothed by the standards of this world, why don’t you take that U-turn ahead and dare to become a God-pleaser? You were created with unique purpose.  The most important dream of all is to discover that purpose and spend a lifetime fulfilling it, bringing glory, honor, and praise to your Creator.

 

We are His ambassadors, His living representatives in the earth. Everything we do, speak, or think is designed to represent and point to His love, mercy and goodness for those in our spheres of influence. This includes your spouse, children, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers in the places you frequent.  

 

What message is your life delivering? Remember, the applause of man may stroke your ego for a moment, but that is it’s only reward.  There is a greater, eternal applause to be desired. May we each live our lives in such a way that in the end we might suffer no regret and joyfully enter our rest hearing these words,

 

 

“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

Posted by: Jeneen AT 10:00 am   |  Permalink   |  2 Comments  |  Email
Monday, September 30 2013

 

The Most Important Question

 

 

I want to ask a personal question today?

 

 

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Friend and Savior?

 

 

Many of you know that I was not raised in a Christian home.  Aside from attending a few church services with friends, I knew very little about Jesus until I was eighteen years old.

 

After getting pregnant at seventeen and delivering a child at eighteen, I desired to offer our daughter a more stable and loving life.  I remember the day so clearly. As I sat on the floor of our small basement apartment, listening to Amy Grant, the love of Jesus filled the room where I was sitting.  His acceptance of me and all my mistakes was overwhelming.

 

In the stillness of that moment, I surrendered everything to Him. 

 

No, I was not in a church service. 

 

No, a pastor did not lead me in the sinner’s prayer. 

 

Yes, all of that is beneficial and good, but Jesus is everywhere, searching for those who are lost.  

 

That was ME!  

 

 

I was lost, afraid, and dreaming of a life far better than I was living.  As tears flowed down my face, the love of my heavenly Father began to saturate my heart with peace. 

 

PEACE! 

 

 

Ahhh...isn’t that what you need today?  Could you use a good dose of REAL PEACE?

 

I dare you!  Yes, I said, “I dare you to try JESUS.”  I can testify that He has never forsaken me even once in 25 years and I have never turned my back on Him.  He is my best friend, the One on whom I can constantly depend.  Like a true shepherd, He has led me into the blessed life: one of acceptance, joy, peace, love and true contentment.

 

Do not confuse Him with RELIGION.  He wants to have a RELATIONSHIP with you. 

 

If you have never accepted Him into your life, you can right now.  

 

There in your living room, or wherever you may be, as you’re reading this from your phone or computer you can utter these words from your heart:

 

 

 

“Jesus, I need you. I want you in my life.  I surrender everything to you, my past and my failures. I believe that YOU died on the cross just for ME and You rose from the grave as triumphant King.  Come into my life this day and set me free.”

 

 

 

 

If you prayed this prayer and you desire to speak to someone about your experience, privately INBOX me or leave a comment under this Blog.  You will never regret this decision. 

 

I love you, 

Jeneen

 

Posted by: Jeneen AT 06:00 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Wednesday, September 18 2013

“Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain”

1 Timothy 6:6

 

 

 

It was a humbling thirty days!  Some years ago, God was teaching me the power of contentment, and He challenged me not to purchase ANYTHING for myself for an entire month.  Now, I know what you’re thinking...Something like, “I haven’t bought anything for myself in years!”

 

But, He meant NOT ONE THING!  Those were the days of wearing my hair in a clasp.  One day, my only clasp decided to break.  I was on my way to Walmart when I heard Him say, “I said, NOT ONE THING!”

 

That same month just happened to be the month I was invited to sing with our church choir at Regional Camp Meeting.  I had lost about twenty pounds and was in desperate need of a new black dress.  I reasoned that since I was singing at a Christian function then surely God wanted me to have a new dress.  I mean, after all, I must look my best as I represent Christ? Right?  That still small voice echoed once more, “NOT ONE THING.”

 

My attempt was obstructed as I drove into the gas station parking lot to purchase gum and mints...Yep, you guessed it.  I heard, “NOT ONE THING” once again.

 

This may sound like an amusing story to you, but it was certainly sacrificial learning the concept of contentment. The flesh wants and then wants for more!

 

So often, we estimate the value of our lives according to the number of items we possess and we set out on an endless pursuit of trying to satisfy our true heart’s desires with meaningless materialistic “things”.  Somehow, I would have felt better about myself had I been able to purchase the new dress for Camp Meeting.  Perhaps then, I would have appeared more “put together” to others.  However, God wanted me to understand that my true value and joy in life would be found in Him and not in my appearance or the items I possess or the stature He ever allowed me to stand in.

 

 

Our mindset is often that we will possess true contentment as soon as we get ----. (You fill in the blank)  The truth is that it takes just as much control to be content in plenty as it does in lack because

 

Contentment is a Mindset  

 

There is something powerful about being satisfied in your current state.  Even now, I can say, I have lived in a camper and I have lived in my dream home. I have been in want and I have been in plenty.  I have been surrounded by friends and I have walked many roads alone.  I have been the focus of attention and also the forgotten one.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, and because of this powerful principle, life is stable and steady.

 

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

 

Contentment does not mean that we never set goals for our lives or that we never dream a bigger dream. It is simply the power of quiet confidence and trust on display to the world, screaming “I refuse to be defined by anything other than my wholeness found in Christ.”

 

“Be content in what you have; Rejoice in the way things are.

When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”

 

Lao Tzu

Posted by: Jeneen AT 04:04 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Wednesday, September 04 2013

 

 

Steve and I are blessed to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary in the coming week.  In 1988, we stood before God, family and friends to declare our love and commitment to one another at the tender ages of 17 and 18.  A fulfilling life has been sandwiched between then and now!  Today, my heart and soul echoes those vows to my sweetheart more loudly and deeply than ever before.

 

 

This summer, while visiting with friends, we enjoyed Biblical conversation concerning marriage.  One friend proclaimed that he loved God first and then his wife.  To which, Steve humbly added, “I believe my love for my wife actually reveals my love for Christ.”  His statement was meek, yet profound and brought to mind Ephesians 5:25-28  which lovingly states, “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his wife loves himself.”

 

 

I am certain that if I were to ask, Steve would never desire any public praise for his role as a godly husband.  However, in a world where much dishonor is shown to spouses, I want to honor and commend him for his expressions of love toward me over the past 25 years.  His love truly is a reflection of Christ’s love for me. 

 

 

"Your love for me has never wavered. Thank you for loving on purpose, showing expressions in many ways...sometimes audibly...sometimes in the unspoken expression of a touch or a deep look from those brown eyes.  You always make me feel like your beautiful bride.

 

Your provision for us is steady.  I have never encountered anyone with a stronger work ethic than you, my sweet husband.  Other than our family get-a-ways and vacations, I can count on one hand the number of days you have missed from work in our 25 years together.  You are noble, honest, full of integrity and perseverance.  By God’s grace, our household has never been in want.  

 

Your mercy and forgiveness have often been exemplified toward me.  Becoming a wife at seventeen, there was much growing up still left to do...I was mouthy and headstrong!  Many times, I have needed your mercy and forgiveness for my unthoughtful words...and then there was that time when I wrecked our new car three times in a single day!  (Yes, that really DID happen! ) I am a woman of imperfection, but I am bonded to a man of forgiveness and mercy.

 

Thank you for being a faithful teacher and guide in our home.  You lead by example.  Patience defines you.  You learned much from both your best friend “Papa” and life experiences and we are beneficiaries of your gained wisdom.

 

I adore how interested you are in ME...diligently observing my likes and dislikes over the years...making all my dreams come true.  Because of your care and interest, our marriage has continued to grow and expand.  We enjoy one another’s company. Our laughter is great medicine.

 

 

Is there a more loving exhorter? Your trust fuels my purpose and provides strength, comfort, advice, and affirmation for the journey.  Although you are the head of Repairing the Breach Ministries, you are quite content and comfortable to stand in the shadows and willingly and sacrificially supply funding for my vision.  

 

We are a team and I could not ask for a better man to share life with.  You are my king and because of your love I sit in the seat of a blessed queen!  I cannot wait for the next 25 years.  Truly the best is yet to come.  I love you ‘til I draw my last breath.  Happy 25th Anniversary, my love."

 

Posted by: Jeneen AT 08:25 am   |  Permalink   |  1 Comment  |  Email

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