Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Share Four Somethings: April 2022

Posted on By jennifer

It is time for another Share Four Somethings – which typically rolls around at the end of each month (however, this month has five Saturdays).  April has been full of good days and things to remember…but there is still much left in the month.  Not the least of which is my birthday – and my birthday trip to Waco!  No doubt those memories will be recorded next month (probably more than once!) but let’s just press on with April’s edition of Share Four Somethings.  The entire link-up can be found here!

Something Loved

I did a little clothes shopping.  Not online but actually in the stores (in the mall!!) and tried on things in an actual dressing room.  Yes, that is a bit of a blast from the past but that is not the interesting part.  I rather enjoyed it.  Yes, is the “something loved” category, and maybe “loved clothes shopping” is a bit of a stretch…but I was so surprised how much I enjoyed shopping.  And buying clothes.  I have lost a bit of weight – not that much! – but enough, I suppose, that it makes a difference.  My closet is still in need of a major overhaul but just getting a few new things was very inspiring.  And motivating!

Something Gleaned

My husband and I recently read a daily devotional entry, by Dr. Charles Stanley, entitled “Butterfly Living.”   I have thought about it often since then.  Butterfly living is the idea of the new life that is ours as we become new creatures in Christ.  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”  II Corinthians 5:17.  Two key thoughts from Dr. Stanley:

“What you may find in your life experience, however, is that even though you are a butterfly, you are still drawn to the caterpillar way of life.”   He goes on to encourage believers to renew their minds.  Change your thinking according to the truth of God’s Word.  “And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind….” Romans 12:2a.  And, “remember, you are not a caterpillar with wings glued on- you are truly a butterfly.”

I want to – no, I need to – drop my “caterpillar” mentality…and truly experience “butterfly” living!!

Something Braved

Last month I began keto.  I researched it and studied it…and then researched it some more.  As I often do, I completely began to overthink and overanalyze everything.  As predicted, I did not see nearly the results in week two that I had in week one.  And, as I very often do, I was tempted to quit.  I considered everything I must have done wrong and had every reason (I thought) to quit.  Yes, after two weeks!!  But, I did not.  And this “something brave” really has nothing to do with counting carbs, tracking macros, or continuing with keto.  But, I refused to make excuses.  Excuses that allowed me to quit.  I’m an expert at finding fault with myself and/or convincing myself “why bother?”  Ah, but not this time!  It’s worth remembering!!

Something Achieved

This is rather anti-climatic here…but my son and I navigated the seemingly endless red tape and spinning in circles while trying to make progress with a state agency regarding an incorrect tax form.  Multiple calls and multiple emails.  Always new instructions and/or misinformation.  But apparently, I am learning (very late in the game) that perseverance can actually pay off.  A corrected form was actually issued.  Who knew?  But we considered it a major check in the win column!  (Funny side note…as I typed “who knew?”  Last night I doubted something on the tv was going to play correctly.  When it began, I said to my husband, “Well, who am I?”  Google quickly answered, “You are Jennifer.”  Oh, thank you!?!)  Oy vey.  Have a wonderful weekend, friends!!

Share Four Somethings

Comments (22)

  1. Great thoughts from Dr. Stanley. Congrats on sticking with keto. It’s pretty much proven to be effective at weight loss but the cost of limiting carbs is so high. You deserve every ounce of weight that you’ve lost!! I’m glad you had fun shopping for clothes and that it was a good motivation to stick with keto.

  2. Maybe I’ll be motivated by you to go shop for some new clothes myself. I bought very little during the pandemic because I couldn’t try things on. Glad the option has returned for dressing rooms! 🙂 I love the butterfly living concept. Thanks for sharing that. And oh, Google; that’s funny. At least you know you’re being seen and heard! 🙂

  4. I liked the butterfly devotional and the reminder that we are not just caterpillars with wings glued on! Well done for persevering with keto and with the tax form!

  5. Great month, Jennifer! I personally HATE clothes shopping, in fact I HATE shopping of any kind-never got that gene. But so glad you enjoyed your experience! Keto is great, but unlike most diet advice or articles will tell you, depending on where you’re coming from when you start it could take up to 2 months to get into ketosis. I’ve been on clean keto for almost a year, slow start but totally worth it. Keep up the good work!

  6. I love your recap. I am so happy to hear you had a good time shopping. Oh I love Charles Stanley’s lessons. You know, his quote is true, I never thought about it but I can see that of myself. Wishing you much luck with keto. Blessings.

    1. Blessings to you as well, Paula! So glad you stopped by this week. Hope you are having a good one!

  7. Happy Birthday, Jennifer! May you have an awesome time in Waco! Congratulations on making progress in weight loss with the reward of new clothes that fit. Woohoo! Thanks for the book recommendation by Dr. Stanley. Congratulations on persevering in diet and with the tax form!

  8. I have not been in a mall in years….I don’t even want to go into one…which I guess is kind of sad? I am glad you were able to buy clothes. And, good for you for not quitting Keto! I started Paleo a few years ago and wanted to give up early on…I was encouraged to stick with it and I am glad I did. I did lose weight, but more importantly, I was able to identify the foods that I had intolerances/allergies to and have eliminated them from my diet, making me feel much better (when I keep them out). Stick with it, it will be worth it. I have friends who stayed on Keto and have lost quite a bit of weight and feel great. I think it’s important to remember why you are doing it as well.

    1. So true – remember our why is crucial for sticking with it (with anything!!) Always glad and encouraged when you stop by, Cindy! Thanks for the encouraging comment!!

  10. Thank you for sharing your something brave! Eating properly can be a challenge, especially when there isn’t a noticeable difference in energy or how you feel. Way to keep going!

  12. Happy birthday, Jennifer. Looking forward to hearing about the trip to Waco! Thanks for sharing the caterpillar/butterfly teaching. Good words to think about!

  13. I love your Four Somethings, Jennifer! (Also can’t wait to read about your trip to Waco when you write about it.) Sticking with keto is huge … good for you. How fun to see that it has made a difference when you go to try on clothes. And I would totally consider persevering with the tax form to be something achieved!

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