Preparing for 31

As August 31 winds down, my mind wanders as I myself am approaching 31 next Sunday. Naturally, I think of the Proverbs 31 woman and I believe a study of her legacy is one that I definitely want to pursue in the coming year. 

Although I have no idea if/when "wife" will be part of my role, I do know that I want to strive to be more of a noble, God-fearing woman every day. So to more days of appreciating the blessings He bestows:

Proverbs 31: A Wife of Noble Character

10 [b]Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
    She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her,
    and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life...

25 25 

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
    and suffers nothing from laziness.

28 Her children stand and bless her.
    Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
    but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
    but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
    Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. (NIV)

Much love and many blessings,

Jenn

Hillsong Worship: No Other Name Tour

JESUS!

Wow!

James River Church hosted a soldout Hillsong Worship concert with the phenomenal Christine Caine in Springfield on Wednesday, August 27. What an amazing blessing to see the church, the community, believers from different denominations come together to worship the name of Jesus!

I purposely sat in the stadium seating for the purpose of worship, for my worship and to enjoy watching the worship of our community, and worship we did! The whole evening young and old worshipped with hands raised, clapping, praising and jumping for joy in the name of Jesus. What a blessed sight. I came into worship with a heavy heart and walked out so much lighter with hope and peace! Thank you, Lord, for such a tremendous opportunity!

Hillsong Worship truly led us into a glimpse of heaven’s worship as they sang so many of their familiar hits: Mighty to Save, Oceans, Forever Reign, Cornerstone, etc. etc.

Christine Caine also brought such a powerful, challenging message from her new book, Unstoppable. I can’t wait to read it! Here are just a few lines from @ChristineCaine that truly spoke to me:

• ·         Nobody wins until everybody wins... Run your race. Carry your baton.
• ·         There's no retirement. There's only refinement... You were not put on this world for retirement.
• ·         The most powerful force on the face of this earth always has and always will be the blood of Jesus! It sets people free!
• ·         Don't short circuit your destiny. Run with perseverance.
• ·         God didn't send you to earth to start. He sent you to finish your race.
• ·         We're here carrying a baton of faith to a generation.

Hillsong Worship celebrated the name of Jesus all evening. I highly recommend that you checkout hillsong.com to see if they are coming to your area. Also, visit designedforlife.org to join James River as we Celebrate Jesus and all He has done with Christine Caine, Charlotte Gambill, Priscilla Shirer and CeCe Winans Oct. 9-11 at the JQH Arena in Springfield. Truly, there is No Other Name.

Reflections on "13 Going on 30"

"Thirty, flirty and thriving," as a 30-year-old, single female who has loved "13 Going on 30" since its 2004 release, I definitely wanted that phrase to be a theme for this year of my life. But, as this journey called life goes, of course, my 30th year has had its ups and downs. To be honest, it's more like the not-so 30, flirty and thriving. However, more than ever, my greatest passion, my love for children has become much more evident.

So as I watched one of my favorite movies for the umpteenth time the other day, many thoughts came to mind about my life, my loved ones and God's hand in it all. I couldn’t help but think how much life has changed in the last 10 years.  

When the movie came out in 2004, I was a driven, college sophomore, enrolled in my favorite Magazine Design and Editing class and so excited to create a magazine prototype. I wanted to be "Jenn Taylor, big-time magazine editor." I was a planner; very wrapped up in achieving the dream like Jenna Rink. At 10, I knew I was going to be a writer, and more specifically a journalist at age 13. I collected storage bins full of magazines for "ideas." I was the girl who made her schedules for the next semester, and several semesters ahead before the materials were even available, because I was so excited about my future.

However, also at the time, I was a proud cousin of three little girls ages 2, 1 and 9 months. Today, those sweet girls that I fondly think of, spoil and love like my nieces are 13 and 11. They were the inspiration for my magazine and so much more since then. As I watched the movie, I couldn't help but reflect on how much I desired to be an adult at their age. How much I dreamed of what was to come.

So I would like to share a few words of loving advice to “my girls” and their generation.

Dear girls,

You are so smart, full of life, energy and imagination. So bright and beautiful, I know you will grow up to be wonderful, world-changing women one day. I know that you can achieve whatever dream you have someday. However, I pray that you don’t rush ahead. Soak up and relish every moment in your life right now.

Enjoy your time with your friends and family. Spend time with loved ones who you can laugh, cry and be silly with, the ones who love you just the way you are because you are amazing! Don’t worry about wasting your time with people who are mean, want to use you or make you something you are not. You are such beautiful, rare treasures that deserve to be loved. Cherish your time with these people.  

Appreciate these special people because you may need to lean on them during the tough times. Life is going to throw you unexpected curveballs and you’re going to need help beyond yourself. Friends and family are such a blessing from God; however, I pray that you will turn to God first in these moments. He always hears you and wants to help you. He’s the one who has helped me the most and turning to Him is the greatest advice that anyone can give you. We all love you; however, He loves you more than you can ever imagine.

I love you, girls, more than words can say. You are some of the greatest blessings in my life and I pray God blesses you abundantly!

Much love always,

Jenn

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
~ Proverbs 16:9 NLT

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. ~ Psalm 139:14 ESV

Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. 

~ Psalm 40:5