Adoption

Reading in Ephesians this morning about our adoption into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I was struck by the word.  Then I thought about all the wonderful families who adopt children who need a loving home.  What a special love!

When I think about the love a man and woman has for the child they have adopted, the way they look at that child as their very own, the same as a biological child, I am reminded that God looks at us that way too!

Because of Jesus Christ, we are made righteous, justified, sanctified, and redeemed–out of the darkness of sin and into the fullness of the light of truth!

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My Journey through Galatians

For my morning devotions, I am using Proverbs 31 Ministries First 5 app on my smartphone, along with the Christ Alone Experience Guide.

I began this study because it is going to take me through the New Testament books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.  The Apostle Paul had much to say to these churches and fellow Christians, and we can learn much from his teaching too.

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Peace Be Still

I love this picture of my husband standing in the water at Still Pond, located off the Sassafras River and the Chesapeake Bay.  We had taken an excursion and anchored overnight at this beautiful spot and enjoyed being able to stand in the water.

It’s a very interesting place with a lovely breeze by day and stillness by night!  Much stillness, and pretty stuffy sleeping below in the cabin on a hot summer night, unless you have a generator and run your AC!

After our trip, we had posted this picture on Facebook to see what caption our friends might give it, and we got a variety of ideas.  Our favorite, however, was Peace Be Still!

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What’s It Like Being a Single Mom?

What’s it like to be a single mom?  It’s hard.  Its grueling.  But it’s rewarding.

God is there for you. 

I was a single mom for 15 years, raising three children ages 8, 6 and 5, when their dad went home to be with the Lord.  Oh, it was challenging for sure!!

When I first was told that he was gone I just thought, Lord, what am I going to do without him; how are we going to survive?  I told my children, “Daddy went to be with Jesus today.”  And we cried.

But we remembered him; we remembered all the wonderful things about him.  And I tried to keep him alive in their hearts by bringing him up in conversation, by abiding by rules that he had set for them – like always wearing shoes when they rode their bikes. 

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Name Your Ebenezer

What is an Ebenezer you might say?  In Samuel’s day Ebenezer meant, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”  After their victory at Mizpah, Samuel erected a stone of remembrance and named it Ebenezer to serve as a constant reminder to the Israelites of God’s faithfulness.

Friends, let’s make sure we have our own Ebenezer to remind us of the times we saw God’s faithfulness in our lives.  Maybe it was a time of protection, maybe a time of provision, maybe a time of comfort and strength.

Whatever it is to you, erect your own Ebenezer that will always remind you in your dark and difficult times that God is there, He is for you, and He is with you.  God is your help!

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:6

God Has Reopened The Door

Four years ago the Lord told me to put my real estate licenses down.  As much as I didn’t really want to do this and probably fought Him for awhile, I did this and thought I would never list and sell residential real estate again.

BUT GOD!!!!

He has graciously reopened the door for me to reinstate my license in Delaware, the state where I currently reside, and I am more than excited to get going again.  I wanted to share my website with you and to say TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!  GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE!

Click my picture below to go to my website!

You can also connect with me on my Facebook page and click “Like” to follow my posts: https://www.facebook.com/ListWithJanan.

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He Knows My Name

What’s in a name? The Bible says that God knows our name. Do you find that comforting? I sure do!

When I was growing up with an unusual name, I found that people had trouble spelling it and pronouncing it. I used to dread the first day of school, wondering just how this new teacher would butcher the pronunciation of my name.

One time in particular really stands out to me. It was 6th grade. I already had a complex about my name because almost everyone got it wrong, and this teacher was no different. He kept calling me Janine. I have a cousin named Janine and have no problem with her having that name, but don’t call me Janine! That’s not my name!!

As a young girl, I got so tired of being called Janine, among other things. It was so very rare that anyone would say Janan the correct way. Juh-Nan. I absolutely despised being called Jan too!  Mostly I was called Jan-in (like the a in ran) and sometimes Jan-Ann.  Also NOT my name!!

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You Just Made My Day!

I stopped into Wawa this morning to get a latte’ and when checking out I told the lady behind the counter that I always enjoy seeing her smiling face, to which she responded, “Oh, thank you! You just made my day!”

Wow Lord, thanks! That in turn made my day!

Go out there my friends and make someone’s day. All it takes is a kind word.

Show the love of Jesus to someone you rub shoulders with today. It will make your day too!

Believe it…You are Loved

The boys snickered as I sat there in class with my dress falling over my knees. Why, Mom, why do you make me dress like this when everyone else wears their dresses shorter than mine? Why must I be the subject of ridicule by all the boys in my class?

Shyness developed in me at a very young age. Rejection and pain were covered up by solitude, retreating into myself, and pulling away.  Shame called my name!

Then in high school, I would roll up the waistband of my dress until the hem would be just to my fingertips when I put down my arm, and off I’d go into my day.  I was not going to be ridiculed about the length of my dress any more!!  Have you ever done anything like that when you were growing up?  I’m sure I’m not the only one!

But God!!!

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