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| (This necklace is currently for sale in my Etsy shop) |
I just want you to know that you're on my mind every day. Yes, you...those of you reading this now....and those of you who left such kind and heartfelt comments about my last post.
Thank you for taking precious time to read my simple blog. To hear what I have to say. To witness my ramblings and creations and musings and not be scared off by my mention of talking to God. ( And I really do have a big black, no; two big black heavy and working rotary phones in the house!)
I always hesitate about mentioning God like I did in my last post or in my articles, in fear that I will be labeled a "Bible Thumper" or a "Holy Roller" among other things, but the truth is that I am a believer. I have had my doubts and my struggles but I always come back to the mystery of faith.
I have a quote from Proverbs over my table that brings me the greatest peace during times I question my belief and question my life and question my God and it is this:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him
and he shall direct thy paths."
The line that really stands out to me is
-and lean not unto thine own understanding.
There are some days when this is all I have to hold on to. That everything happens for a reason. That it will all come together and make sense to us eventually. That it is ok to not have all of the answers....That professing my faith is never going to be a "bad move."
Thank you for sharing your journey with me.
Deepest,
heartfelt,
Thanks.
I, too, thought that all of the comments left were so extraordinarly wonderful (and so deserved by you!)...and having grown up in the "Bible Belt of the South", (Mississippi) I DO KNOW exactly what you are trying to say, I am NOT Southern Baptist, although, SO many of my respected acquaintances ARE! I am "religious" but not in the same way that so many others that I know practice their beliefs...and lets face it, without FAITH, where would we be??? I love the Scripture that you shared and this one...Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose", and unlike any of my acquaintances, I will now go and fix myself a good martini...
ReplyDeleteLOL and a big "ditto" to LoveLady's comment! (Though I am not from the South, I was raised So. Baptist... but I prefer margaritas to martinis!) Romans 8:28 is the scripture my parents claimed and clung to for many years, and the older I get, the more I think the "all things" and the many ways they may "work for good" are far, far beyond what I can even imagine. God's creativity is ongoing in the forms, and functions, and in the very flow of life--and we're missing out if our faith journey doesn't embrace it all, including both the mystery and the grace. Whoa--okay, sorry for the sermon! LOL Can't help myself sometimes. Anyway, thanks for your openness about your faith and your struggles--it's all of a piece, and it is (always) a story worth telling.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Jennifer. I've had a rough couple of days and this is just what I needed to hear. So often I do try to take care of things on my own and then I remember that no matter how big or how small my problems may be, I can ask for help and guidance and it will be given.
ReplyDeleteYou're in my thoughts sister. :)
Love to you,
Jenny
ps: thank you so much for the kind words on my blog, my friend loved the gift I made for her.
First of all, this pictured piece of art is precious; it is beyond words, as true art should be. I have not seen jewelry convey a message so subtly, yet so strongly.
ReplyDeleteSecond, never apologize for your faith, whether it is in God or Gaia; if you start to proselytize and we are of a different persuasion, we will quietly excuse ourselves and move along. We all have faith in something; even an atheist has faith, because he knows beyond a doubt that there is no god, which makes him omniscient, and since only a supreme being could be omniscient, the atheist must be god. Confusing? Yes, and I shall try not to hit the wrong button and become another anonymous.
I'm new to your blog... the first entry I read was your Rotary Phone & God entry. I was deeply encouraged. And your most recent post made me cry. Thank you for being honest. God desires to drive out ALL fear, and each time we struggle or question, I think He delights in speaking and answering and comforting us. Thank you again for sharing...
ReplyDeleteI love that you're unashamed to write about your love for God. I love that your faith guides your journey, you role as a woman & mother, your talent as an artist.
ReplyDeleteI find you inspiring & a testament to faith. Thank you!
I always enjoy your thoughts, Jennifer, and am so thankful that you allow us to come along on your journey.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your thoughts, Jennifer, and am so thankful that you allow us to come along on your journey.
ReplyDelete