The Journaling Gina

God's Song

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 15:57:00 +0000

Who Will Be My Mother?

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Sat, 11 May 2019 20:05:00 +0000

Who will be my mother?

Watching children grow up in today’s world can be a frightening thing. The addictions, crime, war, disease, divorce, abuse, stress, depression, anxiety, poverty, bad advice and sexual indecencies our children are exposed to from an early age should bring sadness to our souls.

So who will be the real mothers? The ones who will guard their hearts, hold their hands, set the example, protect their minds? Who will be the mothers who prioritize their spiritual lives, stand for purity, sacrifice their own desires and build foundations built on absolute truths? Who will be the real mothers who contradict culture, who will say “enough is enough”, who pray, who read the Word of God and teach what it says? Who will be those mothers? Who will be the mother that teaches young men it’s more important to love others than his selfish desires and to her daughters teaches real beauty comes from within. WHO WILL BE THAT MOTHER?

You see, the world is full of women who can give birth to beautiful babies. The miracle of new life, so fresh from heaven is breathtaking… But it is duplicated thousands of times a day in hospitals, homes and birthing centers. The ability to give birth is not unique to you or me…or the next woman.

But what is unique is the ability to be a spiritual mom to this generation of searching young people. This ability to rise up, hold this generation up in prayer, in presence and in the power of Jesus, declare that you will be that mother…the advocate, the protector, the hope-giver, the prayer warrior, the foundation builder, the truth seeker, the loving example of a strong, determined, enemy fighting warrior for our future generations.

And that, my friend, has nothing to do with your biological clock, your empty nest, your childless womb, or your empty arms.

It has to do with your heart. Your mother heart…that God has given you. Whether you’ve birthed children, adopted children, buried children, fostered children or have a barren womb…you can be a spiritual mother.

And I wonder, in this world today, if that’s not what we really need more than anything. Will you be the one…the one who loves beyond the womb? Will you be that mother?

Summary- Reclaiming Everyday

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 20:40:00 +0000

Here's what we've been talking about over on facebook the last few days.

I'd love to have you join me over at RECLAIMING EVERYDAY

You're Invited

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 20:22:00 +0000

Sometimes God calls us to do things we feel unqualified to do. In fact, in my life, that seems to be the norm. I’ve never felt exceptionally qualified to do much of what He leads me to, and honestly, that has probably been a good thing. Pride can rear its ugly head when we begin thinking we can handle everything on our own.

For quite a long time I have felt God preparing the way for me to share the stories He has written on my heart. The stories of how He’s reclaimed the broken pieces and helped me reclaim the things the enemy meant for harm. So this is the official beginning of just laying it all out there. It’s my step of obedience toward Him, and whatever, however, He blesses is in His hands.

Some of you have been reading my blog and other devotional writings for over 10 years. I can’t even begin to thank you for your loyalty and for your encouragement. Writing has been an outlet for me to write about all the things in life that are important to me…family, ministry, missions and hobbies. I’ve blogged about them all and more! As I transition to this author Facebook page, I ask that you continue to follow and comment and share as much as you feel led. It is enormously uncomfortable for me to ask you to help promote me….so that’s not what I am asking for…I am asking that you promote the message of Jesus Christ. If something I write speaks to you or you know someone who could benefit from hearing it, please share the message. That’s how lives are reclaimed.

I’ve been working with a writing coach the past few months. We have plans in the works for all sorts of things, including some book ideas, which of course, falls somewhere between exciting and mortifying for me…but again, I am walking in obedience to whatever the Lord wants.

So, real quick….like and follow this page if you want to keep in touch. Share the page with others who might be interested and come back often for encouragement and to say hello! Thanks for joining me!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 12:57:00 +0000

Lost and Found

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 20:23:00 +0000

Have you ever lost something, and after days of looking for it, just gave up? Maybe it wasn't important or maybe it was so important that you ended up having to replace it immediately. Either way it is so frustrating...the wasted time, energy and money. And maybe what's even more frustrating is that sometimes much later, we find what we were missing. The lost is finally found. It's been right there all the time, and yet we missed it. While there's the excitement over finding the lost object, there's regret that we didn't find it sooner.

I find myself spiritually contemplating this same concept. I lose momentum in my walk with the Lord. I lose joy in serving Him. I treat someone carelessly. I speak out of anger or jealousy or frustration. I lose my testimony. I lose my joy. I lose the compassion that has been so freely given. And one day, I wake up and realize I am not the person I intended to be; I'm not who God intended me to be. I've lost myself in the rubbish of the world. It's frustrating, the wasted time, energy and yes, even money.

And like the lost item, it's even more aggravating to see how easy it would have been to reclaim those lost things. God's redeeming mercy is new each and every day.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) …” Ephesians 2:4-5.

But God....oh how thankful I am for those two words...He's always in the redeeming business. Redeeming each day that I mess up. Redeeming each moment that I waste. Redeeming relationships that I've ruined. Redeeming my marriage, family, job, health....

Because of His great love for me...He saves me. And He keeps saving me....everyday He's forgiving and drawing me closer to this reclaimed life He has designed for those who call on Him. I am the lost thing, found. I am the prodigal running home. I am the ultimate sinner. And He is loving me, making me more alive in Him, reclaiming me as His own.

I don't have to live in regret. I don't have to live in guilt. He's covered all that. Now I can walk in new mercy because I have been found.

Scarred Up

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:10:00 +0000

I'm pretty scarred up... real scars from childhood injuries,
2 c-sections, some dermatology scars...
And each scar has a story...
Of how I survived. Each scar is a reminder that although there was pain and hurt there was also a time of recovery...
That in every situation I have healed and that scar is just a reminder of the healing that has taken place.
The same is true spiritually speaking... I have scars, hurts,
Bumps and bruises...
some my own fault and some, honestly, the fault of others. And yet, I'm learning I can pick at the scar and reopen the wound or I can use my story to help others heal too. I've often thought staying quiet about my scars was the key, but I'm realizing more and more that when the time is right to tell your story, God will make a way for you to tell of His healing, his recovery process,
His therapy for your soul... and His glory will be revealed in places and spaces you've never dreamed of. And that makes the scars worth it.

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 12:39:00 +0000

This week I am thankful for....

1. An entire family saved and baptized Sunday at church.

2. Spring Break...craft time, nap time, DVR time

3. Spiritual clarity regarding some decisions that I needed to make

4. A full day of sunshine...only one, but still

What are you thankful for this week?

Wordless Wednesday- Barn Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 14:33:00 +0000

Why We'd Go Back

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 00:57:00 +0000

This morning I ate at The Breakfast Klub with Bruce and a long time friend. I had googled to find a restaurant that would be an easy commute for my friend and this one popped up. We had no idea what we were getting in to but now, with the meal behind us, I am already looking forward to my next visit...and I want to tell others about it!

And that got me to thinking....what brings people back? As a pastor's wife, we are constantly looking for ways to get seekers in the door and then back again. So I thought I'd take a closer look at what I experienced and why I think people keep coming back (or not).

1. I decided on the place because when I googled it, it came up with 4.5 stars....so I knew quickly that it must be good.

2. They had an online presence. I browsed the menu to be sure it was going to have something for all of us. The menu was easy to find and easy to read.

3. The location was in a part of Houston that appears to be revitalizing. Parking was terrible.

4. We had to stand in line outside because the crowd inside was so large.

5. There was a nice African American woman who gave clear and direct instructions about the menu and what would happen when you entered the building. She even told us where the restrooms would be located, where the drinks and condiments would be and how to order from the menu. She was nice, well spoken and energetic.

6. We waited outside about 20 minutes.

7. Once in the building we were greeted by another man who took our order before we got to the counter. He also pointed out the drinks and restrooms and was very friendly.

8. We paid with a debit card and signed electronically.

9. Did I mention it was crowded? After we got our drinks and silverware we found our own seat.

10. Within 10 minutes our food was served by 2 different waiters who were very friendly.

11. About half way through the meal the general manager made his way around to us and chatted for 3 minutes or so. He returned 5 minutes later and told us we HAD to have some fried chicken since it was our first time. He gave us each a piece...on the house. It was scrumptious.

12. The bathroom was spotlessly clean, but the toilet didn't flush without a good jiggle of the handle.

13. Tables were busted quickly by plenty of servers and waiters.

14. The atmosphere was multi ethnic...mostly African Americans of the business sector. I didn't feel intimidated or uncomfortable at all. Everyone was so FRIENDLY.

15. We paid more than we usually do for breakfast. It was so worth it.

16. The music was loud and some of the art work was a little more "soul-full" than I am used to.

So the question is....would I go back? You betcha...and here's why...

1. I am an information kind of gal...I liked knowing a little about the place before going.
2. The friendliness of everyone we encountered was overwhelming and made the few things that could have been a big distraction seem so small in comparison.
3. Knowing the food was going to be delicious made the wait more tolerable.
4. Did I mention how friendly everyone was?

I also think church is a lot like restaurants.

People listen to other members reviews....how do we talk about our church?

People look for friendliness...are our greeters familiar with where everything is so they can direct guests to the right classes, restrooms, nursery? Are they smiling and excited to be there? A grumpy greeter can be a big turn off when looking for a church.

People are willing to compromise some things if the main thing is good. What is the main thing?? Jesus and His message. However that is communicated needs to be top notch. The best we can give.

Are our people eager to serve. Those waiters and servers at the Breakfast Klub were anxious and ready to do their jobs. They were serving current guests and making room for the next guests. They had a lot riding on their shoulders. Do our servers in our churches serve with that same passion and understanding that they are the visual message of the church?

Did I mention how friendly everyone was? The general manager was making the rounds, making small talk, shaking hands and making everyone feel loved and appreciated. How important is that when we are welcoming guests into our churches.

The important lesson I learned today was it's not always the best building, best parking situation, best seat in the house that gets people coming back. It's the atmosphere. WHOA.... and what I learned today is we have a part in that atmosphere. How we enter God's house not only reflects our relationship with Him but also can affect others around us as they seek to worship God. A smile goes a long way and I can easily forget about a toilet that had to be jiggled a little if the Holy Spirit is moving in the atmosphere.

Word-filled Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 12:06:00 +0000

Mom Doubts

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 12:56:00 +0000

If there was ever a book that intimidated homeschool moms everywhere, I'd venture to say it was this one. 12 years of homeschooling on the line. 12 years of choosing curriculum, writing out lesson plans, making sure everything she needed to know has been covered. 12 years of hoping I wasn't ruining her life. 12 years of second guessing. 12 years of sitting together at the kitchen table. 12 years of grading, training and praying.

And now it all boils down to this.

4 hours

April 13

OK...ok....ok....maybe I am being a bit dramatic, but haven't we all been there. We stress about things that we really have no control over. We doubt whether what we've done has been enough. We worry we didn't give them enough opportunities. We wonder if we have prepared them enough.

And here we are....

thinking this one test will determine her future...

that one test will test all she knows...

that one test will prove you did your job...

that one test will make or break your reputation...

Good Grief!!!! Stop the presses!

The reality is, raising kids, no matter how they are schooled, is hard work. It's the biggest and toughest and most rewarding and fulfilling work we will do. But all the pressure isn't on us! Yes, we have a responsibility to train them and teach them God's word. But the end result, the final word, the way it all ends up....that's in God's hand. He already knows what path they will take. He knows if they'll pass that ACT with flying colors or it they'll need a couple of tries to show their best effort. He knows it college or tech school or no school is in their future. He knows the where and the what and the how of college decisions and He knows your child so intimately, that as a loving father would do, He wants to guide them and lead them as they make decisions that will honor Him.

So what's our part???

From what I gather from God's Word it's consistency in talking about the Lord with our kids. It's making Him a normal part of everyday conversation. It's teaching them God's Word. It's being diligent. It's loving them enough to discipline them. It's guiding them as they get older and teaching them to take ownership of their own spiritual life with the Lord. It's being an example. And it's a lot of grace and forgiveness for when WE mess up.

So whether your kids are small or they're heading off to college soon...or somewhere in between...It's not too late or early to start these habits of good parenting. It's not too late or early to focus on the qualities that will really help them as an adult. It's not too late or early to be an example. And it's not too late or early to accept all the grace and forgiveness God gives us and them.

So mommas....young and older.....place your doubts in God's hands. He's got this. Do your diligence in raising your kids to love Jesus...But even that isn't ultimately up to you. Just do your part and leave the rest with Him. He loves them more that you could anyway.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Monday Menu

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 15:01:00 +0000

If you're like me, making a meal plan isn't really the problem...it's actually executing the meal plan that seems the most difficult part! Our schedules change, things get eaten out of the pantry that were key ingredients for a recipe or I get lazy.

Nonetheless, it's Monday, so I'm putting my best foot forward and making a plan this week.

Monday- Speghetti

Tuesday- Wild Beast Feast at church

Wednesday- Dinner at church

Thursday- Mexican (out)

Friday- Homemade Pizza

Saturday- Sausage, Mac and Cheese, green beans

What's on your menu this week?

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 14:55:00 +0000

So much to be thankful for this week...

1. Safe travels in the pouring rain to and from Dallas.

2. Dinner with friends we hadn't seen in 6 months.

3. Encouragement from the conference we attended.

4. Broken people coming to Jesus.

5. A day at home to get caught up on all things home related!

What are you thankful for today?

Empower Evangelism Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 14:48:00 +0000

The last few days Bruce and the kids and I have been in Dallas at the Southern Baptist of Texas Empower Evangelism Conference. What a memorable event! We had not planned to attend but last week Bruce received an email stating our church would be recognized for leading baptisms in a church our size. What an honor....but more importantly what a beautiful time celebrating all that God is doing all over the state of Texas. It was invigorating and encouraging.

I took notes like a stenographer! Here are a few quotes from the conference.

- The darker our culture the more exited we should be to share the gospel.

- The greatest tragedy in life is to be saved and never see the spirit moving.

- Most uninvited and unwelcome in the church is the Holy Spirit.

- Maybe instead of trying to impress, we instead press in to the Holy Spirit.

- I'd rather offend someone into heaven with the gospel than ignore them into hell.

- If our belief in the gospel equates to our effort in sharing the gospel, how much do I believe in the gospel?

-As a church (pastor) can we really expect a movement of the Holy Spirit if we only share the gospel at the end of the service?

- If it was based on my passion for the gospel, would there be a gospel movement?

- Put your evangelism in the Holy spirit's hands...put that in your circle...then pray.

- The applause of man does not fulfill a life.

- What you hunger for you get....(think about a pregnant woman)!

- You will miss what you do not choose.

- God's not in heaven calling a staff meeting to discuss your cool worship sets, your mission's budget or your latest sermon series. He is looking for men and women who fully depend on the Holy Spirit, to do the work He has called and equipped them to do.

- The gospel does not rest in what I can do...only in the power of the Holy Spirit in my life.

- You can be culturally relevant and spiritual dead.

*These are the notes from Greg Matte's session.

Sorting and Organizing

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 20:27:00 +0000

12 years ago when I posted my first blog post, I never thought about writing a book, a devotional or anything else. I just thought about documenting my kids and all the funny things they did when they were little.

Fast forward a couple of years ago and someone said something I wrote would be a good submission for a book with a similar theme. I had no idea what she was talking about. But more and more as I posted on my blog and then facebook, people were telling me I needed to write a book. And I just thanked them for their kindness and went my merry way. It was flattering and encouraging but mostly I was just writing about everyday life with eternity sprinkled in here and there. I had no idea what I was doing, but slowly God was preparing my heart to do something more.

So now...2019 and God has prompted, pushed and pursued me to begin the process of writing to publish. I have a writing coach. I am attending online conferences, learning from other experts and doing what I can on my end of this journey to hone in on the writing craft.

Today I began sorting through over 1,000 blog posts I have written over the years. Trying to categorize them to topical themes. I got nearly 100 done, so my work will continue throughout the next few days. As I sorted through the oldest posts today, I had the blessing of seeing how far God has brought Bruce and me, how much our kids have grown, some of their funny stories and how much favor God has poured out on our lives. He truly writes the best stories. What was meant to be a chore, was a beautiful offering of praise to the Lord.

So thankful for where He has brought me from and where He has me headed!

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 13:25:00 +0000

Thanking God for these blessings this week:

1. Fun day out with a friend.

2. Extra hands on deck for a project at church.

3. That God restores what Satan robs.

4. Energy I haven't had for months.

5. Inspiration.

What are you thankful for today?

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:08:00 +0000

One Hour Cleanup

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 14:40:00 +0000

I'm not gonna lie...

Last week I just about hit my breaking point.

Life seemed disorderly. I was being pulled in all sorts of directions. Clean clothes were a well sought out commodity and I couldn't find my keys.

Now before you go thinking I am usually a neat freak....let me assure you that is not the case. I usually have a stack of something to go through on my kitchen counter, there's usually a pile of dog hair that I missed somewhere when sweeping, I keep my bedroom door closed for a reason and there is always a load of laundry to be washed and a toilet to be swished. But usually, at first glance things can look pretty tidy.

But not last week. And I was turning into the Incredible Mrs. Hulk because it looked like the four little pigs had taken up residence in my home. It was beyond the norm.

Bruce realized I was near "hulk green" on Saturday morning after he was already at church working. It had been a crazy week with the install of a new sound system and other ministry related things going on and I knew he was tired too. I had tried to hold back, but I was at the breaking point that no man ever wants to see their wife reach...the hide under the covers for days with peanut butter cups and ruffles potato chips breaking point.

When Bruce realized I was about to lose it, he came home. But first he stopped at Whataburger, and picked up food. I guess he realized it would be better if I wasn't hangry too! We sat around the kitchen table and divided up the household chores with the kids and we got busy. In one hour the house was picked up and smelling clean and all that was left was the kids rooms (which they are responsible for). I felt so much better. Order had returned to our home.

Spiritually speaking we can find ourselves in the same scenario. Life can get crazy and we miss spending time with the Lord on a personal level, then we miss a church service or two, we start scheduling things around life instead of around what God has for us and we lose fellowship with other believers. It can happen quickly because that is how the enemy operates...quick, stress-filled, hurried decisions that he makes us feel are life and death, when in reality, we just need to slow down, do a one hour clean up of life and carefully evaluate what has us stressed out or too busy.

One hour in the scheme of things is nothing. It is such a small investment in your sanity. And just like with my house, one hour can be the difference between the Incredible Hulk and Mrs. Incredible! Take the time to nourish yourself...take the time to clean up spiritually on a regular basis. If we don't we become burdened by the filth we live in and consumed by our own circumstances. God made a better way. Daily communion, cleanup with Him. Imagine that. He is always making a way of escape for us. What a good God!

Meal Prep Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 12:18:00 +0000

This week....

Monday: Roast, Potatoes, Carrots and Onions with Rice and Gravy (Carried over from last week)

Tuesday: Soup and Sandwiches

Wednesday: Dinner at Church

Thursday: Pizza

Friday: Breakfast for Dinner

Saturday: Lasagna, Salad and Bread

Sunday: Out

What's cooking at your house this week?

Sunday Worship - Here As In Heaven | Acoustic | Elevation Worship

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 12:22:00 +0000

Complaint VS Concern

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 14:51:00 +0000

Ever wonder why you don't make progress with your good ideas when you share them with others?

It's all in presentation....

I love a good idea. A solution. A better way.

I hate complaining. Gossip. Pot Stirring.

A complainer comes and presents all the negatives but no solutions.

Someone who is concerned comes with solutions and ideas for making things better, and they are willing to help.

There's always room for improvement. There's usually more than one way to do something. If you have a better way, find a way to share that idea in a way that doesn't knock the wind out of the people listening to you. You might have to think about it for a bit; it's likely if you react quickly you'll be complaining.

If you're in the habit if complaining. Stop. It does NOTHING to build up the kingdom of God and only stirs up trouble. If you find yourself isolated, check your complaining. It's burdensome to be around those who are constantly complaining. People will start avoiding you...except for the gossips...they will still be there. Lucky you.

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

What Love Looks Like...

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 15:30:00 +0000

What love looks like at our house...

11 pm run to Whataburger, because a lemon pie sure sounds good.
An “I love you” at the end of every phone conversation.
Switching the laundry over for someone who forgot they left a load in the washer.
A back rub.
Playing a favorite song on the piano.
Watching a mystery movie together.
Laughing at a lame joke.
Dancing together.. even tho Tucker is the only one with moves.
Praying together.
Crying together.

Cleaning up dog puke when you could pass the job off to someone else.
Making dinner on Saturday nig
hts.
Talking to each other.
Celebrating successes.
Learning from failures.
Cheering each other on after a bad day or week.

See love isn’t always wrapped up in the ways the world would chose you to believe today. Sometimes it’s in a 5 inch Whataburger lemon pie and sometimes it’s when your spouse takes your car to be washed and vacuumed without you asking. It’s not wrapped up in sex. It’s not what you see on tv. It’s not Hallmark movies or porn or soap operas or The Bachelor or even This is Us.

Real love loves when the hair turns grey, the weight changes, the money is thin, the health fades, the mind slips, the arguments fly. Real love keeps loving... it doesn’t runaway because things just aren’t working out, or because someone has fallen out of love.

Real love loves like Jesus. Unconditionally, wholeheartedly, infinitely. Real love endures, sacrifices and is generous.

We only know how to love well if we know Jesus... we love because he loved us first. He set the example...he lived, he loved, he sacrificed, he kept his promises, he’s coming back... what an example to love and live like He did...
Not just on Valentine’s Day ... but everyday!

#goals

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:27:00 +0000

This week I am thankful for...

1. A new sound system at church

2. Bruce and Savannah's trip to A&M, the clarity it brought and the plans for the future

3. Prayer partners

4. Sunshine after what seems like weeks of rain

5. God's strength for stressful days

What are you thankful for this week?

Wordless Wednesday- Sweet Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 14:06:00 +0000