I have been praying a lot. When you know you are on a Godly path, that is when spiritual warfare is made know. Its a battle everyday. Whispers and actions to convince you, you are doing wrong. What your heart tells you to do is- 'difficult and can't be done'. People try to sideline you. Anger stirs inside of you and doubt bubbles over. Then God doesn't become our center and we let the enemy in. Of course we don't see it at the time. And your path, that was so clear, becomes a fork in the road. Which way to go? Will you chose the one God laid out for you, or one that looks a little better, a littler easier, a little more sparkley!?
A handful of women and I got together with passion and the Holy Spirit flowing through us. We are the most odd mix of women. Polar opposites in some cases. God brought us together. There is no doubt in my mind, it is Holy Spirit driven. We have a few things in common, we have had wounds (some horrific and some just grazed the surface), God is the core in our life, and we are over flowing with this passion. Passion to find women like us. Ones that maybe you wouldn't think are Godly Women. Ones that you know need to have the love of our Lord, Heal them. It can be done. Its easy....we have been there. We have this stirring in us to find them and serve them. We have a stirring in us to educate our fellow Christians. We have this energy to make it known, The unloveable are SO loved. We are all loved. The hurt, the weary, the wounded, the hidden, the morally unjust.....they are my sisters. They, too, were created in the image of God. Man wasn't enough. Man wasn't perfect in God's eyes...so He made Woman. He put them in our path, and who are we to say they are not worthy of knowing HIS love. It is HIS love afterall that is so wide spread, it is HIS world, HIS children.
Although this blog today is brief. I ask you, please pray for us. Please call the armor around us with prayer.
When you are out in the world today, when you are at the malls shopping, or in church waiting for service to begin. Look around. Take a good look at the people God put in your eyesight, in your path. Look your sister in the eye. Smile. Say a prayer for them. Ask forgiveness for judging them. Making assumptions. Especially out in public. Don't cross the street to avoid their eyes. Don't look away from them. By just showering them with your brief second of time. You showed them love.
They are just like me, and you. Its your actions that cause change.
Stop and look around you. Struggles are so public. We as Christians want them kept private. We don't want to know they have been hurt. We want everything perfect. Happy. Go to church. Get your praise on, tithe, and go home. Happy. I haven't been happy because I was falling for the words of the enemy, that my little own battle won't make a darn difference. My little group of 4 won't change the world............ But my group of 4 has grown, to 12, to 20, to 34, ....the enemy got a little nervous and called out his own battle cry. Causing doubt and insecurities to rise in our ministry. He kind of likes to pinch and run.......brief pain but doesn't stick around for a confrontation. Pinch and run. Then I got so busy, 'ouching' from the pinch and I left God out of the battle, and let the enemy move in. Still pinching and running because that is what he does. He is a coward.
Refocus....
Our path is clearer now. We have to refocus ourselves. Keep on that Godly path. It has been divinely birthed, and who are we to say, Its Not Possible? He will provide our needs, make it known who we are and what we are to do. He is doing just that. We know we are on His Path....our hands of sisters who we will reach.
Keep it centered this Christmas. Show some love by not turning away. HE has put those people at that particular moment for a reason. Testing what is inside us.
a thought process of a believer, mom, wife and hair stylist...wrapped in one tidy package..God is center, Family a close 2nd....Hair is my passionate gift I was given by a passionate God.
Total Dye Job....
Me....
Friday, December 16, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Stop Being a Christian...BE Christ-Like.
Some days I want to turn my cape in. I am not really a Supermom, Superwife, Superhairstylist, I just play one...
The problem is I try. I try to be all of the above and sometimes it gets jumbled all up. I get my priorities screwed up. Its hard to be all of the above....super-hard. Its never even. Balance is usually out of whack. I wouldn't trade most of my super abilities....for anything. Supermom swoops in to kiss the wounds, do the laundry and dishes, tidy up here and there,. run errands, make sure kids are semi-clean, dinner sometimes, lots of reminders to the family (homework, lunches...)...Superwife....poor hubby usually gets sidelined a lot, but I try to encourage and support. Be there for him to kiss his wounds, remind him of things, hang out on the couch, shoulder, co captain of the parenting squad...Superhairstylist...well that can just hang there for a bit. I love what I do...I know God gave me that gift. I am not the greatest or the worst....I just love it. Love doing it. But this is where the rest comes in....5 years ago...no...how about even 1 year ago....If you asked me If I could step away from my career and give it up...I would of said...Ummm No....but ask me today...go ahead...
I would. I would give up doing hair. If I was asked. By any of my centers. Centers being- God (first and foremost) and, family (hubby and kids). I would without even thinking.
What Changed?
My heart did.
A two by four hit me square in the head. Because those are the wakings I need. Not subtle hints...no I need the screaming in the ears, awakenings.
I began to really care. I began to ask God to change me and my heart. I prayed He would show me his plans for me. I didn't want to be considered a christian any longer. I wanted to be considered Christ Like. Hmmmm confused....Let me explain. And I mean to offend no one. Everyone is on different walks in their lives with God. But I got seriously tired of defending Christianity. The shock value wore off at work, when new clients...kind of looked me over and was like...YOU? You are a Christian...I guess in some small christian cliques, they didn't think a pierced, tattoo, hairstylist could love God....I am not getting on that tangent....promise....
I was getting tired of the battle up for Christianity. WHY in America is it such a cliche...why is it so lumped together. All Christians have to be right winged republicans? All Christians are homophobic? they are stay at home moms who home school their kids? Why does it leave a bad taste in some peoples mouths? Hypocrites. Yep. I hear it...a lot. Hurt by a Christian? Hurt by 'the Church'....
Somewhere Jesus got lost in there. He came, he saw, he saved. He wasn't knit-picky on who followed Him, who He Saved? Who He taught? Why is that forgotten? Who was his core group? They were not very liked before and after Jesus left the Earth. He really loved everyone.
He taught LOVE...LOVE....LOVE....he healed those who others walked over and kicked aside. He showed compassion for those who wanted to destroy Him. He told the greatest stories(parables) to rooms and rooms of non believers. He didn't wait for a spotlight to shine on him. Words to be thrown up on a screen. There was no secret handshake. He just loved...
So WHY is Christianity a dry subject? It says in the BIBLE.....if I had a dime everytime I heard that. Yes, it does. It says a lot. But what are Christians supposed to do? We need to go out and tell people about HIM....it doesn't say the tell the upper middle class about HIM....It doesn't say do not tell this class or that class of people. It doesn't say sinners can't go to church (we all are last time I checked).
What is the best way to TELL people about Jesus. How about act like him. AND not just for an audience. SHOW by your actions. Show Jesus by your own actions. My gosh and NOT just during the holidays. All the time. Think about how cool it would be for God to be like....ah now thats a chip off the old block!
ACT. When the words start stirring in your head about someones clothes, or words they said, what they are doing. When you begin to judge them......STOP....lift them up in a quick prayer..my gosh and yourself...SHOW compassion....somehow....Smile at them. Meet their gaze. Don't ignore them. Don't step over them. Maybe God put them in front of you for a reason. Maybe you need them. Not just them needing you. They are all children of God.
So I asked God to stir my heart. To soften it. He knew I was in for a world of hurt. But he got me ready....a long time ago. Things happened in my life to show me a path. To get me ready so I can be there for others. I have wounds HE healed. Wounds that couldn't be healed with material things. With pretend love. So I am going to stop acting like your typical Christian, I think that is too comfortable. I am going to act Christ Like. Thats an everyday challenge.
I have been surrounded by the most amazing group of women who have the same passion to move through the Christian Community and be Christ Like. To be first hand witnesses of the Love HE provides to heal, to capture...or more to rescue.
He softened my heart. Made me not so bitter. Let me hand over a lot of the suitcases packed full of wounds. I forgave. That was super hard. But I did. I asked for forgiveness. That is even harder. He let me open my heart to a world of hurt...hurting women...women in hiding. Women lost. He handed me the most crazy God Loving women ever to be part of an army.
So I would give up that cape. The super-Hairstylist cape. Id hang up my shears. My favorite foiling comb would be put away. All if He asked me to. Without even bat an mascara crusted eyelash. And that is what I am waiting for. The next clear cut path.....because I am still me...I still need the two by four to the head. But at least now I am willing to hear/see it!
I am a Christian Mom. I am a Christian Wife. I am a follower of Christ. I want to be Christ like in my walk. I will walk for the ones who can't right now. I will be a voice. Hopefully I will be more then a whisper.
The problem is I try. I try to be all of the above and sometimes it gets jumbled all up. I get my priorities screwed up. Its hard to be all of the above....super-hard. Its never even. Balance is usually out of whack. I wouldn't trade most of my super abilities....for anything. Supermom swoops in to kiss the wounds, do the laundry and dishes, tidy up here and there,. run errands, make sure kids are semi-clean, dinner sometimes, lots of reminders to the family (homework, lunches...)...Superwife....poor hubby usually gets sidelined a lot, but I try to encourage and support. Be there for him to kiss his wounds, remind him of things, hang out on the couch, shoulder, co captain of the parenting squad...Superhairstylist...well that can just hang there for a bit. I love what I do...I know God gave me that gift. I am not the greatest or the worst....I just love it. Love doing it. But this is where the rest comes in....5 years ago...no...how about even 1 year ago....If you asked me If I could step away from my career and give it up...I would of said...Ummm No....but ask me today...go ahead...
I would. I would give up doing hair. If I was asked. By any of my centers. Centers being- God (first and foremost) and, family (hubby and kids). I would without even thinking.
What Changed?
My heart did.
A two by four hit me square in the head. Because those are the wakings I need. Not subtle hints...no I need the screaming in the ears, awakenings.
I began to really care. I began to ask God to change me and my heart. I prayed He would show me his plans for me. I didn't want to be considered a christian any longer. I wanted to be considered Christ Like. Hmmmm confused....Let me explain. And I mean to offend no one. Everyone is on different walks in their lives with God. But I got seriously tired of defending Christianity. The shock value wore off at work, when new clients...kind of looked me over and was like...YOU? You are a Christian...I guess in some small christian cliques, they didn't think a pierced, tattoo, hairstylist could love God....I am not getting on that tangent....promise....
I was getting tired of the battle up for Christianity. WHY in America is it such a cliche...why is it so lumped together. All Christians have to be right winged republicans? All Christians are homophobic? they are stay at home moms who home school their kids? Why does it leave a bad taste in some peoples mouths? Hypocrites. Yep. I hear it...a lot. Hurt by a Christian? Hurt by 'the Church'....
Somewhere Jesus got lost in there. He came, he saw, he saved. He wasn't knit-picky on who followed Him, who He Saved? Who He taught? Why is that forgotten? Who was his core group? They were not very liked before and after Jesus left the Earth. He really loved everyone.
He taught LOVE...LOVE....LOVE....he healed those who others walked over and kicked aside. He showed compassion for those who wanted to destroy Him. He told the greatest stories(parables) to rooms and rooms of non believers. He didn't wait for a spotlight to shine on him. Words to be thrown up on a screen. There was no secret handshake. He just loved...
So WHY is Christianity a dry subject? It says in the BIBLE.....if I had a dime everytime I heard that. Yes, it does. It says a lot. But what are Christians supposed to do? We need to go out and tell people about HIM....it doesn't say the tell the upper middle class about HIM....It doesn't say do not tell this class or that class of people. It doesn't say sinners can't go to church (we all are last time I checked).
What is the best way to TELL people about Jesus. How about act like him. AND not just for an audience. SHOW by your actions. Show Jesus by your own actions. My gosh and NOT just during the holidays. All the time. Think about how cool it would be for God to be like....ah now thats a chip off the old block!
ACT. When the words start stirring in your head about someones clothes, or words they said, what they are doing. When you begin to judge them......STOP....lift them up in a quick prayer..my gosh and yourself...SHOW compassion....somehow....Smile at them. Meet their gaze. Don't ignore them. Don't step over them. Maybe God put them in front of you for a reason. Maybe you need them. Not just them needing you. They are all children of God.
So I asked God to stir my heart. To soften it. He knew I was in for a world of hurt. But he got me ready....a long time ago. Things happened in my life to show me a path. To get me ready so I can be there for others. I have wounds HE healed. Wounds that couldn't be healed with material things. With pretend love. So I am going to stop acting like your typical Christian, I think that is too comfortable. I am going to act Christ Like. Thats an everyday challenge.
I have been surrounded by the most amazing group of women who have the same passion to move through the Christian Community and be Christ Like. To be first hand witnesses of the Love HE provides to heal, to capture...or more to rescue.
He softened my heart. Made me not so bitter. Let me hand over a lot of the suitcases packed full of wounds. I forgave. That was super hard. But I did. I asked for forgiveness. That is even harder. He let me open my heart to a world of hurt...hurting women...women in hiding. Women lost. He handed me the most crazy God Loving women ever to be part of an army.
So I would give up that cape. The super-Hairstylist cape. Id hang up my shears. My favorite foiling comb would be put away. All if He asked me to. Without even bat an mascara crusted eyelash. And that is what I am waiting for. The next clear cut path.....because I am still me...I still need the two by four to the head. But at least now I am willing to hear/see it!
I am a Christian Mom. I am a Christian Wife. I am a follower of Christ. I want to be Christ like in my walk. I will walk for the ones who can't right now. I will be a voice. Hopefully I will be more then a whisper.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Would you be your own Friend?
The last few days have been a little bit different in my world. Now I see it as, well a nudge from God. A knock on my noggin so to speak. Lots of ups and down in the family life, work life and personal life. And my darn phone has been giving up on my the last 3 weeks..(Yep...I repel technology...phones at least)...
A wonderful person I had the privilege of working alongside in Illinois was getting married in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. She became a friend instantly when we first met I'd say 7 years ago. We stayed in touch when I moved to Minnesota. Also picking up where we left off. So as I followed her excitement through Facebook(the engagement, the planning...) I was so ecstatic to get the invite to her wedding. It approached pretty quickly.
And as we know our God...he loves to wake you up when you least expect it. You feel you are doing Awesome in your walk, you feel the closeness of His presence. Then the enemy makes you busy. He knows we humans LOVE to be busy. Busy. Busy. Busy. We are so easily distracted. Soon your morning time with God, is a quick drive through chat with him. No longer sharing cups of conversation, its now quick blurbs and quicker prayers. So back to the wedding. Neal (my awesome loving husband) found out literally last minute that he couldn't go to the wedding with me. No coverage for him. UGH....I was none too happy. So do I go solo? YOU BETCHA!
So back to repelling technology and having not so pleasant conversations with my cell company provider.....my phone just quit. It did nothing. Booted up. But past that, it was just decoration. They could not get me a replacement phone in time for my 5 hour travel to northern Wisconsin. HOLY SMOKES NO PHONE, NO FACEBOOK, NO EMAIL....for 2 days. WOW....I wasn't happy. More or less it was a security blanket too. You know...young (keep the mouths quiet) woman traveling to the boondocks or small town Wisconsin....all by myself....5 hours(10 hrs both ways) in the car....solo....solo....WAIT....this is where God steps in....Never solo, Jenn. Duh....So I get to have catch up time with God. And I was looking forward to the quiet, peace of it all. (When I realized I had no choice.) I have an old(er) GMC Jimmy...so there is no plugging in a iPod either!
I was listening to some radio...flipping through some stations. I had a couple cd's of Chris Caine ready to go to get inspired and such. This was a HUGE light switch. This is what I needed. And I absorbed it all!
I got to thinking (after a couple hours of her preaching)...look at yourself. Look at your Christian Self....Would you be your friend?
Before I had a relationship with God, I disliked Christians. I thought they were hypocrites. They had this righteousness to them. Full of the "Spirit" and well vinegar too. Reverands, Pastors, Priests, Nuns...met a few here and there. I wanted NOTHING to do with them. They wanted NOTHING to do with me. I was this crazy punk rocker who could conquer the world, doing the good I wanted and saw that needed to be done....Having benefit shows(for you non Chicagoans...a wee little concert of punk rock spectacularness) to raise money for teen moms, giving food to the homeless under the "L" tracks in Wrigleyville. I never saw a Christian doing that....or did I?
Young in my 'Christian life,' happily married to a Christian Man, getting involved with Church in Naperville Illinois....I was so excited when I was asked to be part of the Children's Ministry. I was early to a meeting to be introduced to the team. I was sitting on the lobby couch (it was by the coffee) when I overheard two women, whom I had known but they didn't know me....my back was turned to them. They were talking....and they were talking about me. Why was I allowed to be on the board? I had once been a teen mom, I was divorced....and I had my nose pierced. Here I was so excited to be ASKED to be a part of something....and here is where my spirit fell. Here the two members of the same congregation, who were in the Ministry, here...they were hurting me....So the old me would of jumped on the couch...raised my fist and say..."To Heck (well wouldn't of said that...but this is a G rated blog) with you and your church...." but I wiped my tears away(i did cry) and walked over to the two ladies...I held my hand out to them and said. "Hi, I am Jenn Uitto, and I can't wait to hear ALL you have to say about the Children's ministry..." I got a cup of coffee and headed to the room. So I will admit I had a smug satisfaction of watching their jaws drop...duh...I had JUST heard the whole rip session on me. I sat through the meeting thinking it was the last....went home and cried and yelled at Neal about his church, then called HIS mom ( and you don't want to make her upset...she protects her cubs)...and well....there were apologies made...and I stayed on the committee for a long long time.
SO why were they so polluted? What, inside them....what was stirred up...that made them dislike me? it was in them...not me....did I reflect something in their past, that corrupted their Christianity?
Are you a polluted Christian? I know some. Some that never smile. Some that are so full of this sour grape attitude....that you ask...is is hard to keep up the bitterness...gosh it must be exhausting! They are full of ideas for the church, full of battleplans for the sinners. Full of this energy that they beleive are doing the right thing....but its just not in the right way.
Then I know some Ah-mazing Christians....some that walk into the room and you see the glow of the LOVE of the Lord and their love for fellow mankind...you just want to be a part of that! They have this Holy Spirit pouring out of them. I would name names...and YES you are probably on it, if you are reading this long winded blog. These are the ones who would loan a friend a car when theirs goes caput without a thought, the first ones to start a ministry with you because you share a dream, the ones who help neighbors whose house burns down and their church is dragging its feet in some places(not local..not RVC) , you took action. The ones who win a national cooking contest and their first thoughts are how to feed the hungry... The ones who stop what they are doing and lift you up in prayer....These are my friends. These are reflections of God. They WOULD give you the shirt off their backs if you needed it...not shaking their head at you saying..You should of planned better. I have seen such good in my friends.
So. Would you be your own friend? Are you 'that' Christian that people call hypocrite? Or do they just know you are a Christian because of what people see, what they witness. That you give glory to God in all of the busy chaos that is created ups and downs! For broken phones. For doors opened and for doors that are shut.
I had some awesome alone time with God over the weekend. Yeah...it was forced, and I probably would of not chosen this. But I am so glad I got another two by four to the head. I got to think a lot about 3G and our path. I just wish I had a tape recorder to record my ideas. They are in my noggin regardless. I had 10 hours of inspiration. Then to wrap up I got to be at a child's dedication at our church of some AWESOME friends, and hear a message from my Pastor that brought tears to his eyes and mine. This wrapped up a crazy weekend in a gorgeous package. Be the person That God would smile and say..."Thats my girl..." Or "Thats my guy..." full of Pride that you are reflecting His Love.
Would I be my friend? better yet....Am I yours? Am I a reflection? I am trying...I am growing....
PS: Congrats to Karla and Andrew(may God always remain the center of your Marriage)....Congrats to Kate and Rick (the love you have for God, is so poured into your family I am so blessed to call your friends! Congrats on the dedication of your daughter and your Family!) ...
Thanks Pastor Rob, for your message this weekend.
A wonderful person I had the privilege of working alongside in Illinois was getting married in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. She became a friend instantly when we first met I'd say 7 years ago. We stayed in touch when I moved to Minnesota. Also picking up where we left off. So as I followed her excitement through Facebook(the engagement, the planning...) I was so ecstatic to get the invite to her wedding. It approached pretty quickly.
And as we know our God...he loves to wake you up when you least expect it. You feel you are doing Awesome in your walk, you feel the closeness of His presence. Then the enemy makes you busy. He knows we humans LOVE to be busy. Busy. Busy. Busy. We are so easily distracted. Soon your morning time with God, is a quick drive through chat with him. No longer sharing cups of conversation, its now quick blurbs and quicker prayers. So back to the wedding. Neal (my awesome loving husband) found out literally last minute that he couldn't go to the wedding with me. No coverage for him. UGH....I was none too happy. So do I go solo? YOU BETCHA!
So back to repelling technology and having not so pleasant conversations with my cell company provider.....my phone just quit. It did nothing. Booted up. But past that, it was just decoration. They could not get me a replacement phone in time for my 5 hour travel to northern Wisconsin. HOLY SMOKES NO PHONE, NO FACEBOOK, NO EMAIL....for 2 days. WOW....I wasn't happy. More or less it was a security blanket too. You know...young (keep the mouths quiet) woman traveling to the boondocks or small town Wisconsin....all by myself....5 hours(10 hrs both ways) in the car....solo....solo....WAIT....this is where God steps in....Never solo, Jenn. Duh....So I get to have catch up time with God. And I was looking forward to the quiet, peace of it all. (When I realized I had no choice.) I have an old(er) GMC Jimmy...so there is no plugging in a iPod either!
I was listening to some radio...flipping through some stations. I had a couple cd's of Chris Caine ready to go to get inspired and such. This was a HUGE light switch. This is what I needed. And I absorbed it all!
I got to thinking (after a couple hours of her preaching)...look at yourself. Look at your Christian Self....Would you be your friend?
Before I had a relationship with God, I disliked Christians. I thought they were hypocrites. They had this righteousness to them. Full of the "Spirit" and well vinegar too. Reverands, Pastors, Priests, Nuns...met a few here and there. I wanted NOTHING to do with them. They wanted NOTHING to do with me. I was this crazy punk rocker who could conquer the world, doing the good I wanted and saw that needed to be done....Having benefit shows(for you non Chicagoans...a wee little concert of punk rock spectacularness) to raise money for teen moms, giving food to the homeless under the "L" tracks in Wrigleyville. I never saw a Christian doing that....or did I?
Young in my 'Christian life,' happily married to a Christian Man, getting involved with Church in Naperville Illinois....I was so excited when I was asked to be part of the Children's Ministry. I was early to a meeting to be introduced to the team. I was sitting on the lobby couch (it was by the coffee) when I overheard two women, whom I had known but they didn't know me....my back was turned to them. They were talking....and they were talking about me. Why was I allowed to be on the board? I had once been a teen mom, I was divorced....and I had my nose pierced. Here I was so excited to be ASKED to be a part of something....and here is where my spirit fell. Here the two members of the same congregation, who were in the Ministry, here...they were hurting me....So the old me would of jumped on the couch...raised my fist and say..."To Heck (well wouldn't of said that...but this is a G rated blog) with you and your church...." but I wiped my tears away(i did cry) and walked over to the two ladies...I held my hand out to them and said. "Hi, I am Jenn Uitto, and I can't wait to hear ALL you have to say about the Children's ministry..." I got a cup of coffee and headed to the room. So I will admit I had a smug satisfaction of watching their jaws drop...duh...I had JUST heard the whole rip session on me. I sat through the meeting thinking it was the last....went home and cried and yelled at Neal about his church, then called HIS mom ( and you don't want to make her upset...she protects her cubs)...and well....there were apologies made...and I stayed on the committee for a long long time.
SO why were they so polluted? What, inside them....what was stirred up...that made them dislike me? it was in them...not me....did I reflect something in their past, that corrupted their Christianity?
Are you a polluted Christian? I know some. Some that never smile. Some that are so full of this sour grape attitude....that you ask...is is hard to keep up the bitterness...gosh it must be exhausting! They are full of ideas for the church, full of battleplans for the sinners. Full of this energy that they beleive are doing the right thing....but its just not in the right way.
Then I know some Ah-mazing Christians....some that walk into the room and you see the glow of the LOVE of the Lord and their love for fellow mankind...you just want to be a part of that! They have this Holy Spirit pouring out of them. I would name names...and YES you are probably on it, if you are reading this long winded blog. These are the ones who would loan a friend a car when theirs goes caput without a thought, the first ones to start a ministry with you because you share a dream, the ones who help neighbors whose house burns down and their church is dragging its feet in some places(not local..not RVC) , you took action. The ones who win a national cooking contest and their first thoughts are how to feed the hungry... The ones who stop what they are doing and lift you up in prayer....These are my friends. These are reflections of God. They WOULD give you the shirt off their backs if you needed it...not shaking their head at you saying..You should of planned better. I have seen such good in my friends.
So. Would you be your own friend? Are you 'that' Christian that people call hypocrite? Or do they just know you are a Christian because of what people see, what they witness. That you give glory to God in all of the busy chaos that is created ups and downs! For broken phones. For doors opened and for doors that are shut.
I had some awesome alone time with God over the weekend. Yeah...it was forced, and I probably would of not chosen this. But I am so glad I got another two by four to the head. I got to think a lot about 3G and our path. I just wish I had a tape recorder to record my ideas. They are in my noggin regardless. I had 10 hours of inspiration. Then to wrap up I got to be at a child's dedication at our church of some AWESOME friends, and hear a message from my Pastor that brought tears to his eyes and mine. This wrapped up a crazy weekend in a gorgeous package. Be the person That God would smile and say..."Thats my girl..." Or "Thats my guy..." full of Pride that you are reflecting His Love.
Would I be my friend? better yet....Am I yours? Am I a reflection? I am trying...I am growing....
PS: Congrats to Karla and Andrew(may God always remain the center of your Marriage)....Congrats to Kate and Rick (the love you have for God, is so poured into your family I am so blessed to call your friends! Congrats on the dedication of your daughter and your Family!) ...
Thanks Pastor Rob, for your message this weekend.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
I alone can cause of ripple....together we WILL cause a wave
Hello EVERYONE! Sorry its been forever and a day. We had some computer problems, internet problems and then I went and got a full time job. Doing some hair, managing some girls...again.
Beyond that....well lets just see I have been searching for doors to be open, and windows no longer shut. It all started with an electric circuit from RVC's Chick Night (River Valley Church, Apple Valley Mn)....Many women left that night full of CHANGE...Many women left ready to take on the fight (whichever the cause that touched their heart), and still many left with wounds opened (again)...Some of us got together. We talked. We met. We opened our wounds to each other. All of us asking...what can we do? Who can we help? We were still 'high' so to speak, about Nancy Alcorn's Ministry. We were on fire to HELP...HELP...HELP. We wanted to serve. We wanted to rescue. We need to share. Share our past. Our time. Our finances. We wanted to let those who were lost, alone, scared, hurt....we wanted the 'untouchable' to know we all had the same experiences...but we have found help. We have been healed. We have God.
My heart breaks for those who think its too late. They are the lost we so badly want to reach. This is the reason why we have our 'files' (caseworker file of the what behind the why...if that makes sense?). This is the reason why we as a small group of women have all walked different lives. This is our story. We were unwed moms, drug addicts, alcoholics, abused, neglected, abandoned, molested, betrayed, stolen, raped....Lost. Forgotten. Until someone told us otherwise. For some of us, someone 'rescued' us. Someone in our life, told us we were loved by them and by God. It could of been a stranger, or a loved one. Someone took the time to hold us in our darkest hour and just love us. And through that, we saw the love of our God. HOW AWESOME IS THAT? By knowing my God could love ME, with all I have done in my life. All the sins I have done. All the hurt I have brought. HE loves me. Me. I just need to turn to HIM, and absorb that free flowing happy glowing LOVE. You don't have to do anything. Just Love Back, but you know what...its when you are ready. HE is patient. HE will be there when you are ready and even when you are not.
So WHY then does my new found group of friends have such problems finding an open door to help? To start. So many politics, and I get that. We need to protect those who are in programs. So inspiration hit us. We are going to do something on our own. We are going to start an outreach for Women. The women we once were. Totally LOVING HOPE 360! Big huge shout out and hug to that awesome organization. Totally inspired by that website and organization....Maybe you will see something like that in our future. An outreach to reach the untouchable, unloveable. The scared. The Lost.
My friends and I have met a couple times. And you know when you are on the right path, because that is when the enemy attacks. But we are armored up (thanks for that AWESOME series Pastor Rob and RVC) and ready for battle. We have such BIG plans.
You know when God created Man, HE realized...Man was not complete, so he created Woman. We are created in HIS image. We create. We pass this love down and down and down. It is in us. So as sisters, we need to reach each other. We need to have those open arms. That grace that God has given us. We need to put our iphones down, get off facebook and reach out to each other. Start to put the judging beside. Don't turn your nose up and look away. This is GOD staring you in the FACE. These are his children too. You have the capability to serve. To talk. To Love these women. Just do it. I am not just talking financially. Anyone can write a check or toss money in a bucket. I am saying love a sister like our God loves you. Can you imagine the endless joy HE feels when we do things like that? Don't you want your Father to be proud of you?
The enemy will let you know when you are winning...because he will stir things up in you.....thats when you know you are on the right track. When the enemy distracts you. Puts thoughts into your head or others. He caused the path to be muddled.
I can cause a little ripple in the tide....but if we all stand up...together we will cause a wave. A wave we should of started years ago. So ACT. If you don't know where to go...what to do...we are too! It starts with one person. One person like Chris Caine who takes on the sex traffic crime bosses. Who isn't afraid to stand up to their power. Because she has a stronger power in her Savior, our God. Be the Nancy Alcorn who opens doors to all types of women who need healing. She has built a fantastic ministry. And it all started with one little thought, one little action.
We need to serve. Stop serving ourselves. Feel the stir and begin the walk.
Love you guys...so much!
Beyond that....well lets just see I have been searching for doors to be open, and windows no longer shut. It all started with an electric circuit from RVC's Chick Night (River Valley Church, Apple Valley Mn)....Many women left that night full of CHANGE...Many women left ready to take on the fight (whichever the cause that touched their heart), and still many left with wounds opened (again)...Some of us got together. We talked. We met. We opened our wounds to each other. All of us asking...what can we do? Who can we help? We were still 'high' so to speak, about Nancy Alcorn's Ministry. We were on fire to HELP...HELP...HELP. We wanted to serve. We wanted to rescue. We need to share. Share our past. Our time. Our finances. We wanted to let those who were lost, alone, scared, hurt....we wanted the 'untouchable' to know we all had the same experiences...but we have found help. We have been healed. We have God.
My heart breaks for those who think its too late. They are the lost we so badly want to reach. This is the reason why we have our 'files' (caseworker file of the what behind the why...if that makes sense?). This is the reason why we as a small group of women have all walked different lives. This is our story. We were unwed moms, drug addicts, alcoholics, abused, neglected, abandoned, molested, betrayed, stolen, raped....Lost. Forgotten. Until someone told us otherwise. For some of us, someone 'rescued' us. Someone in our life, told us we were loved by them and by God. It could of been a stranger, or a loved one. Someone took the time to hold us in our darkest hour and just love us. And through that, we saw the love of our God. HOW AWESOME IS THAT? By knowing my God could love ME, with all I have done in my life. All the sins I have done. All the hurt I have brought. HE loves me. Me. I just need to turn to HIM, and absorb that free flowing happy glowing LOVE. You don't have to do anything. Just Love Back, but you know what...its when you are ready. HE is patient. HE will be there when you are ready and even when you are not.
So WHY then does my new found group of friends have such problems finding an open door to help? To start. So many politics, and I get that. We need to protect those who are in programs. So inspiration hit us. We are going to do something on our own. We are going to start an outreach for Women. The women we once were. Totally LOVING HOPE 360! Big huge shout out and hug to that awesome organization. Totally inspired by that website and organization....Maybe you will see something like that in our future. An outreach to reach the untouchable, unloveable. The scared. The Lost.
My friends and I have met a couple times. And you know when you are on the right path, because that is when the enemy attacks. But we are armored up (thanks for that AWESOME series Pastor Rob and RVC) and ready for battle. We have such BIG plans.
You know when God created Man, HE realized...Man was not complete, so he created Woman. We are created in HIS image. We create. We pass this love down and down and down. It is in us. So as sisters, we need to reach each other. We need to have those open arms. That grace that God has given us. We need to put our iphones down, get off facebook and reach out to each other. Start to put the judging beside. Don't turn your nose up and look away. This is GOD staring you in the FACE. These are his children too. You have the capability to serve. To talk. To Love these women. Just do it. I am not just talking financially. Anyone can write a check or toss money in a bucket. I am saying love a sister like our God loves you. Can you imagine the endless joy HE feels when we do things like that? Don't you want your Father to be proud of you?
The enemy will let you know when you are winning...because he will stir things up in you.....thats when you know you are on the right track. When the enemy distracts you. Puts thoughts into your head or others. He caused the path to be muddled.
I can cause a little ripple in the tide....but if we all stand up...together we will cause a wave. A wave we should of started years ago. So ACT. If you don't know where to go...what to do...we are too! It starts with one person. One person like Chris Caine who takes on the sex traffic crime bosses. Who isn't afraid to stand up to their power. Because she has a stronger power in her Savior, our God. Be the Nancy Alcorn who opens doors to all types of women who need healing. She has built a fantastic ministry. And it all started with one little thought, one little action.
We need to serve. Stop serving ourselves. Feel the stir and begin the walk.
Love you guys...so much!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
God's Love with armfuls of Blessings and Joy
Lately my world has been full of ME......God pick ME! Show ME! Guide ME! Help ME!....me, me, me. I wonder how tired he gets about hearing about ME? But He is there, no matter what I do, what I ask for, what I need.
I have been so wrapped up in my world....I had my eyes closed. I opened them last week....and voila...all that I was surrounded by was just JOY. Blessings. LOVE. I am still just bursting with happiness. Hahaha...I know...right? But I can't explain it any more then that. I am just Happy. I have witnessed wonderful news in so many areas! There are Blessings that people asked for, and there are some that WHAM here ya go....surprise Blessings! News on Adoption(s), News on pregnancy, News on Jobs, News on Engagements and News on Ministry. I am surrounded by happiness.
This is where its not about ME at all. I am just so over joyed in their blessings! Its so great! So my morning chatting time with God has been more about PRAISE then asking in Prayer. I am sure He is pretty happy about that one. I felt such a different feeling rising up within me. When its not all about what I need or want. What He can do for my family. I mean don't get me wrong...I send little shouts of PRAISE to Him all the time! But this is different..Its just been so fruitful....the blessings. I mean I have seen it happen.! Unfold before my eyes. Its been overwhelming. I have to say, its been a long time since I have seen so many good things happen to my friends! All at once! Ah-Mazing!
This is HIS subtle reminder to me...that its NOT all about Me, not anymore. As soon as I opened my heart to Him, my life began to change. With all the bad in the world right now, I love His reminder of the good. Its what I needed at the time I needed it. SO I am off my pity pot of Job searching and Job offers and what to do when to do it....had a wonderful friend give me a post on FB about God's timing...and again...He showed me through Her...His plans for me. And I am all chilled with that now.
The Blessing and Joys are out there guys! Open your eyes and witness them. It can overwhelm you too. Happy Jenn! ....xoxo
I have been so wrapped up in my world....I had my eyes closed. I opened them last week....and voila...all that I was surrounded by was just JOY. Blessings. LOVE. I am still just bursting with happiness. Hahaha...I know...right? But I can't explain it any more then that. I am just Happy. I have witnessed wonderful news in so many areas! There are Blessings that people asked for, and there are some that WHAM here ya go....surprise Blessings! News on Adoption(s), News on pregnancy, News on Jobs, News on Engagements and News on Ministry. I am surrounded by happiness.
This is where its not about ME at all. I am just so over joyed in their blessings! Its so great! So my morning chatting time with God has been more about PRAISE then asking in Prayer. I am sure He is pretty happy about that one. I felt such a different feeling rising up within me. When its not all about what I need or want. What He can do for my family. I mean don't get me wrong...I send little shouts of PRAISE to Him all the time! But this is different..Its just been so fruitful....the blessings. I mean I have seen it happen.! Unfold before my eyes. Its been overwhelming. I have to say, its been a long time since I have seen so many good things happen to my friends! All at once! Ah-Mazing!
This is HIS subtle reminder to me...that its NOT all about Me, not anymore. As soon as I opened my heart to Him, my life began to change. With all the bad in the world right now, I love His reminder of the good. Its what I needed at the time I needed it. SO I am off my pity pot of Job searching and Job offers and what to do when to do it....had a wonderful friend give me a post on FB about God's timing...and again...He showed me through Her...His plans for me. And I am all chilled with that now.
The Blessing and Joys are out there guys! Open your eyes and witness them. It can overwhelm you too. Happy Jenn! ....xoxo
Monday, August 8, 2011
The "What"...needs the love....too.....
Chick Night August 7, 2011....River Valley Church and Nancy Alcorn.....I could just leave that there, as thats all I need to say....If you went, you understand. Powerful. Horrifying. Eye Opening. Enraging. Tear Jerking. Joyful. Spiritual. Uplifting. Empowering. Accepted. Accepting. Heart Changing.....
You had to feel it....if you went. If you were not able to go...Let me sum it up for you: Nancy Alcorn founder of Mercy Ministries spoke at our church's chick night. She talked about her program, her background and what going on in the lives of the women she has helped. Women who have battled more then any of us will ever know, but take on abuse sexual and physical, drug addiction, unplanned pregnancy, sex trafficing, sexual identity issues... If you want to get into the bones of her program then check out their website, read her books, download in your iTunes her CDs. I don't want to bore you with the 'fine edging' to her voice. What her final message, I personally felt, was to RVC was about a young girl (before Mercy, Nancy worked in Tennessee at a correctional facility for juvenile delinquent girls and investigating child abuse cases.) whom was in the correctional facility. Nancy was the athletic coach for the girls there. This girl was having an identity crisis. She had been sexually abused by many male family members and I am sure it goes beyond what we can even comprehend. Nancy shared Jesus with the girl. The girl dressed like a boy. Maybe she was gay, we weren't told about that. Nancy encouraged this girl after she was released to join a church, a youth group, to help her get closer to God. A few months after this girl was released, Nancy got a call from the girls mother. The girl had committed suicide after she was teased and tormented and cast out from the church she was seeking help from. At this point during her telling us this, I had to cover my mouth because I was going to let out a gut wrenching cry. I was so angry....
Its not right. Its not fair. But is it us? Is it our community here in the subs of St Paul. We play it safe, don't we? Message after message of accepting people....supporting them....showing them the true Love of Jesus Christ.....but do you? Really? You nod your head with the speakers and Demand Change! Would you be one the people in our church who would sit right next to a homeless person who hasn't had a bath in weeks? Would you give your cute little Express lightweight sweater to a women who looked like she had been to the bars all night, possibly involved in sex trafficking? Would you put your arms around them? Would you pray for them? More like...would you pray with them? Would it disrupt your worship time? Would they distract you too much? Would you ask them to come to breakfast or dinner with you? Hmmmm....okay how about not so extreme.....What if a young lady came to our church....she wears her hair shorter....she has piercings,...she dresses more tomboyish than girlish....she wears guys shoes...heck...maybe she is gay! WOW!!! What does your heart say? Do you try to know her? Or do you try to avoid her? You don't have to agree with any of it....you just need to show love....do you? Do you guess about her? Her file, after all isn't public knowledge.....Like Nancy Alcorn was saying...she could read the files the background on the girls she knows what they experienced the sexual abuse, the rape, the drugs, the unthinkable......then the what...became the why....to Nancy. We don't have files to showcase to the viewing public. No one wears the hurt on a tshirt labeling all that has been done to them. We'd be okay with that..."Oh...thats why.."...
Did you know, if you have read the bible...who Jesus hung out with? Think about that...our Savior...our rescuer, our redeemer...the HOLY SON OF GOD.....he hung out with the unlovable...the ones cast out...set aside...ignored...picked on...stoned.....humiliated....He loved them. Why is it so hard for us to do the same? Why would you leave 3 seats open in between you and the unlovable one at church?
Nancy and Becca gave us a lot to think on. I hope the hearts open. You have no idea who you hurt with your looks and snears. People they get noticed. Maybe not the one who you are disgusted by...but by the one that matters, Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit.
The picture may be a bit wordy vulgarity...but its my point....
I love you...I love my famiy...I even love the ones who have issues with me and my family. I can take care of my dread locked self...its when you hurt my family....You have no idea whats in their 'files'....and there are files....Remember that...when you see me and my family....we all have files! I hold my head up and praise my Lord and my Savior...you may not like me..But I have all I need...Hebrews 13:5.......God Has Said...Never will I leave you, Never will I forsake You.
You had to feel it....if you went. If you were not able to go...Let me sum it up for you: Nancy Alcorn founder of Mercy Ministries spoke at our church's chick night. She talked about her program, her background and what going on in the lives of the women she has helped. Women who have battled more then any of us will ever know, but take on abuse sexual and physical, drug addiction, unplanned pregnancy, sex trafficing, sexual identity issues... If you want to get into the bones of her program then check out their website, read her books, download in your iTunes her CDs. I don't want to bore you with the 'fine edging' to her voice. What her final message, I personally felt, was to RVC was about a young girl (before Mercy, Nancy worked in Tennessee at a correctional facility for juvenile delinquent girls and investigating child abuse cases.) whom was in the correctional facility. Nancy was the athletic coach for the girls there. This girl was having an identity crisis. She had been sexually abused by many male family members and I am sure it goes beyond what we can even comprehend. Nancy shared Jesus with the girl. The girl dressed like a boy. Maybe she was gay, we weren't told about that. Nancy encouraged this girl after she was released to join a church, a youth group, to help her get closer to God. A few months after this girl was released, Nancy got a call from the girls mother. The girl had committed suicide after she was teased and tormented and cast out from the church she was seeking help from. At this point during her telling us this, I had to cover my mouth because I was going to let out a gut wrenching cry. I was so angry....
Its not right. Its not fair. But is it us? Is it our community here in the subs of St Paul. We play it safe, don't we? Message after message of accepting people....supporting them....showing them the true Love of Jesus Christ.....but do you? Really? You nod your head with the speakers and Demand Change! Would you be one the people in our church who would sit right next to a homeless person who hasn't had a bath in weeks? Would you give your cute little Express lightweight sweater to a women who looked like she had been to the bars all night, possibly involved in sex trafficking? Would you put your arms around them? Would you pray for them? More like...would you pray with them? Would it disrupt your worship time? Would they distract you too much? Would you ask them to come to breakfast or dinner with you? Hmmmm....okay how about not so extreme.....What if a young lady came to our church....she wears her hair shorter....she has piercings,...she dresses more tomboyish than girlish....she wears guys shoes...heck...maybe she is gay! WOW!!! What does your heart say? Do you try to know her? Or do you try to avoid her? You don't have to agree with any of it....you just need to show love....do you? Do you guess about her? Her file, after all isn't public knowledge.....Like Nancy Alcorn was saying...she could read the files the background on the girls she knows what they experienced the sexual abuse, the rape, the drugs, the unthinkable......then the what...became the why....to Nancy. We don't have files to showcase to the viewing public. No one wears the hurt on a tshirt labeling all that has been done to them. We'd be okay with that..."Oh...thats why.."...
Did you know, if you have read the bible...who Jesus hung out with? Think about that...our Savior...our rescuer, our redeemer...the HOLY SON OF GOD.....he hung out with the unlovable...the ones cast out...set aside...ignored...picked on...stoned.....humiliated....He loved them. Why is it so hard for us to do the same? Why would you leave 3 seats open in between you and the unlovable one at church?
The picture may be a bit wordy vulgarity...but its my point....
I love you...I love my famiy...I even love the ones who have issues with me and my family. I can take care of my dread locked self...its when you hurt my family....You have no idea whats in their 'files'....and there are files....Remember that...when you see me and my family....we all have files! I hold my head up and praise my Lord and my Savior...you may not like me..But I have all I need...Hebrews 13:5.......God Has Said...Never will I leave you, Never will I forsake You.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Make a ch ch cha change....
So....I got Dreads....dreadlocks for you non hair people. I call them my dreadies....yeah its not for everybody...but I am not everybody, now then am I? My little brother, Jon, had dreads for a long time, and i LOVED them...always kinda wanted them but never grew my hair out enough to do it. I do hair every day...and I love it that I do hair...I change my hair about 6 times majorly during the year. So this is not such a big deal to me. But, WOW, I guess people are a wee little shocked...My clients get it. They know me and my ever changing cycle of hair issues. My hair was LONG...supa long for me....and It wasn't me. The color was fab and cut ah-mazing....but still....gosh...long hair on me, not so much. So I went the dread route and loving it to pieces. But hmmmm i guess I figured since my family and clients know me, then every one else does too. Wow...this is where I forget what its like to be 'different'....I was a little punk rocker in High School. Thats where I found the passion for hair. But I liked the looks, the confrontation of being different. Now when I am pretty darn close to 40, i am taken back a little more.
My close group of girlies get it, because they get me.
My stomach was rolling the first day I went to church after I got my dreads. I was so nervous. I don't know why, its not like I was or planned on being paraded thru the sanctuary. And it was a different service time so my normal group of church goers wouldn't be sitting around or by me. Regardless, I had tummy flies.
So we get in and I dodge thru the crowd, drop my 9 year old off and go to find our seats. Lots of looks, grimaces and such. I kind felt pretty bad. But I am hear to praise and pray, not to combat the stink eye. I guess people don't realize I am a child of God too. I may have a couple tattoos and my nose pierced....now I have dreadies...but by golly I love God. I am full of the Love of our Lord. I spread it...He doesn't care how I look....why do you?
So my blog for you today...make some changes in yourself...about judging. I am not the norm, and neither is the girl with died black hair, emo makeup and ear plugs. Neither is the tattoo artist or the clothes shop clerk with rainbow colored hair. If we all looked like each other...wouldn't you be bored? It wouldn't be an interesting scene would it? Maybe they praise our God, just like you. Maybe they raise their hands in rejoice and obedience, just like you.... You judged them, thinking they weren't. How do you think our Lord thinks of you? Love the ones you think are unlovable. Maybe they will see something in you that no one has ever shown to them. A true Christ Like Heart.
Just saying...my two cents....
So back to my first service with my dreadies....As I sat, and the pastor asked us to turn around and greet someone you don't know....I did...smiled with the dimples I was blessed with, even at the ones who were a little...well shell shocked...then I noticed the women who kept looking over the shoulder at me....kind of trying not to stare, but did regardless...I smiled at her...she smiled back, and motioned to me to lean over to her. I thought.."...well here we go...", ....Here she sat with her cute little brown bob, teased thru the crown, a trendy necklace dangling around her throat descending on the cutest sun dress and wrap. She was probably mid to late 50's. She beamed the hugest smile at me and said..."I really love your hair, it shows your personality"...and tapped my hand and turned away....and in that instance I looked at her and thought ...Now I am just doing what I assume everyone is doing to me...judging....Thank You God, for the lesson in Church....
That made me feel better...... a lot better....i even got sniffley....
Love you all!...xoxo
My close group of girlies get it, because they get me.
My stomach was rolling the first day I went to church after I got my dreads. I was so nervous. I don't know why, its not like I was or planned on being paraded thru the sanctuary. And it was a different service time so my normal group of church goers wouldn't be sitting around or by me. Regardless, I had tummy flies.
So we get in and I dodge thru the crowd, drop my 9 year old off and go to find our seats. Lots of looks, grimaces and such. I kind felt pretty bad. But I am hear to praise and pray, not to combat the stink eye. I guess people don't realize I am a child of God too. I may have a couple tattoos and my nose pierced....now I have dreadies...but by golly I love God. I am full of the Love of our Lord. I spread it...He doesn't care how I look....why do you?
So my blog for you today...make some changes in yourself...about judging. I am not the norm, and neither is the girl with died black hair, emo makeup and ear plugs. Neither is the tattoo artist or the clothes shop clerk with rainbow colored hair. If we all looked like each other...wouldn't you be bored? It wouldn't be an interesting scene would it? Maybe they praise our God, just like you. Maybe they raise their hands in rejoice and obedience, just like you.... You judged them, thinking they weren't. How do you think our Lord thinks of you? Love the ones you think are unlovable. Maybe they will see something in you that no one has ever shown to them. A true Christ Like Heart.
Just saying...my two cents....
So back to my first service with my dreadies....As I sat, and the pastor asked us to turn around and greet someone you don't know....I did...smiled with the dimples I was blessed with, even at the ones who were a little...well shell shocked...then I noticed the women who kept looking over the shoulder at me....kind of trying not to stare, but did regardless...I smiled at her...she smiled back, and motioned to me to lean over to her. I thought.."...well here we go...", ....Here she sat with her cute little brown bob, teased thru the crown, a trendy necklace dangling around her throat descending on the cutest sun dress and wrap. She was probably mid to late 50's. She beamed the hugest smile at me and said..."I really love your hair, it shows your personality"...and tapped my hand and turned away....and in that instance I looked at her and thought ...Now I am just doing what I assume everyone is doing to me...judging....Thank You God, for the lesson in Church....
That made me feel better...... a lot better....i even got sniffley....
Love you all!...xoxo
Thursday, July 14, 2011
New Day, New Decisions...
Sorry for the silence Total Dye Job fans.....seems like life has been a wee bit of a distraction to me lately...But I am back...and maybe thats not such a good thing....or maybe it will be!
Lots happening in the life of the Uitto Family (Minnesota). My oldest graduated high school...which would bring on a whole other blog post. We had an amazing time being surrounded with friends and family from near and far. Summer began...and then it seems to be midway over in a blink of an eye...but you don't want to hear about my chaotic life....actually, I don't want to write about it. We just get busy...and in that busy-ness..things get put on the way side...and for me that was my morning time, with me, my cup of java and God. I know many of you are shaking your head in agreement with me! Its SUMMER...but that should be no excuse to put aside your time with God. I have this amazing Devotional called Jesus Calling, that really puts it in the best terms I have read in a long time. (Thanks Krista for giving me the heads up on this devotional sometime a while back via FB or your blog!) So I am refocusing...readjusting my schedule...to include the one that should NEVER be put on hold....
So whats been weighing on my heart a lot is decisions...and guidance...and answers.
What would YOU do, if you had a job you loved, one that you Thanked God for everyday, you gave all credit to Him...and you LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it...and He asked you to step away from it....Would you? I have some pretty darn close friends that have done just that. Stepped away from what they know and love and just went on blind Faith...and I mean that in all the positive ways I can say it. Left without an eyelash flutter. Trusted beyond measures. Financially and Faithfully it was all in HIS hands, the way it should be, so we all say. But would we do it? Gosh...i just don't know...I LOVE to tell my clients about these friends of mine, family and just people about how when I grow up I want to be like them...hahaha....thats a funny...because I am old...er....then most....I mean in my walk of faith. So on with it Jenn....get to the point...
I work in a salon. Its owned corporately, so well chatting with co workers and clients about God and Faith and such...is kind of, well, lets just say its discouraged. Luckily I work in a small salon with a staff, who God placed in my hands this summer. My clients who know me, know I am all about God and His ways, ups and downs. I pray for them, whether they ask or not. Make mental notes thru the convos I have with them. But with the end nearing us at the salon, I am in front of God asking...What next? Where can I go for YOU? I know I am at this salon for a reason, thats why I stayed. I see and hear some of the changes in the salon with the staff. I love these girls so much. It makes me get all sniffley...and managing them to me is more guidance and direction than anything. I encourage and lift them up as much as I can. Positive is what they need. I get all that. In October, our salon will be closing its doors. The mall raised its rent, and well...corp just doesn't see the benefit of keeping us open. So my small staff will scatter....I have a handful of months...then what?
And what I am finding is...God has put a path before me...that I shouldn't walk aside from. Doors are opening for me. He has been putting on my heart a dear group of women who I admire and have worked beside. But what if its not hair....WOW...right? Jenn not do hair? Kind of not...in a round about way...I just don't know...people...I just don't know....So back to that awesome devo, Jesus Calling...well today July 14ths....well lets just say it was all about that...the path...."All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you....." this devo is one that acts as if Jesus is talking directly to you....and no...my lovely Twilight fans...the sparkling suprises isn't Edward Cullen... :)
Blind Faith...I would love to have it, embrace it and just go with it....am I there yet? Can I? WOW.....So my dears...New Day New Decisions....No worries...clients of mine...I will let you know, when i do. We have some time...but its God's time...not ours! He is not a microwave oven...Sorry again for the quietness....Pray for me loves! Thanks! ...xoxo
Lots happening in the life of the Uitto Family (Minnesota). My oldest graduated high school...which would bring on a whole other blog post. We had an amazing time being surrounded with friends and family from near and far. Summer began...and then it seems to be midway over in a blink of an eye...but you don't want to hear about my chaotic life....actually, I don't want to write about it. We just get busy...and in that busy-ness..things get put on the way side...and for me that was my morning time, with me, my cup of java and God. I know many of you are shaking your head in agreement with me! Its SUMMER...but that should be no excuse to put aside your time with God. I have this amazing Devotional called Jesus Calling, that really puts it in the best terms I have read in a long time. (Thanks Krista for giving me the heads up on this devotional sometime a while back via FB or your blog!) So I am refocusing...readjusting my schedule...to include the one that should NEVER be put on hold....
So whats been weighing on my heart a lot is decisions...and guidance...and answers.
What would YOU do, if you had a job you loved, one that you Thanked God for everyday, you gave all credit to Him...and you LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it...and He asked you to step away from it....Would you? I have some pretty darn close friends that have done just that. Stepped away from what they know and love and just went on blind Faith...and I mean that in all the positive ways I can say it. Left without an eyelash flutter. Trusted beyond measures. Financially and Faithfully it was all in HIS hands, the way it should be, so we all say. But would we do it? Gosh...i just don't know...I LOVE to tell my clients about these friends of mine, family and just people about how when I grow up I want to be like them...hahaha....thats a funny...because I am old...er....then most....I mean in my walk of faith. So on with it Jenn....get to the point...
I work in a salon. Its owned corporately, so well chatting with co workers and clients about God and Faith and such...is kind of, well, lets just say its discouraged. Luckily I work in a small salon with a staff, who God placed in my hands this summer. My clients who know me, know I am all about God and His ways, ups and downs. I pray for them, whether they ask or not. Make mental notes thru the convos I have with them. But with the end nearing us at the salon, I am in front of God asking...What next? Where can I go for YOU? I know I am at this salon for a reason, thats why I stayed. I see and hear some of the changes in the salon with the staff. I love these girls so much. It makes me get all sniffley...and managing them to me is more guidance and direction than anything. I encourage and lift them up as much as I can. Positive is what they need. I get all that. In October, our salon will be closing its doors. The mall raised its rent, and well...corp just doesn't see the benefit of keeping us open. So my small staff will scatter....I have a handful of months...then what?
And what I am finding is...God has put a path before me...that I shouldn't walk aside from. Doors are opening for me. He has been putting on my heart a dear group of women who I admire and have worked beside. But what if its not hair....WOW...right? Jenn not do hair? Kind of not...in a round about way...I just don't know...people...I just don't know....So back to that awesome devo, Jesus Calling...well today July 14ths....well lets just say it was all about that...the path...."All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you....." this devo is one that acts as if Jesus is talking directly to you....and no...my lovely Twilight fans...the sparkling suprises isn't Edward Cullen... :)
Blind Faith...I would love to have it, embrace it and just go with it....am I there yet? Can I? WOW.....So my dears...New Day New Decisions....No worries...clients of mine...I will let you know, when i do. We have some time...but its God's time...not ours! He is not a microwave oven...Sorry again for the quietness....Pray for me loves! Thanks! ...xoxo
Friday, May 6, 2011
Love them to Pieces....Moms.
So I am Target, probably my 3rd or 4th trip this week. I LOVE Target. Love to browse the isles when I am solo..clearance rack is usually my first choice! But today was a grab and go! I was incognito (what the usually means is that I have no make up on and a hat on my head), and heading to the back of the store to get some half and half. As usual I get side tracked...you other Targeto lovers understand this and are nodding along with me.
I am in super love with those bobby pins from 'Goody'. The circular ones that work magic on you hair in a bun, updo, messy pony...whateva...they rock! And well since I am getting used to this long hair of mine...I find it a lot easier to use on my head. Just because I do hair for a living, doesn't mean I have magic hands on my own head. Its hard to reach in the back of your head, holding a mirror to look opposite in another mirror to pin your hair up. Although I LOVE to create on clients...creating on my own head is a headache! Anyway...back to Target. You following me? They were out last time I was there (go figure Prom season), so I thought I would check. I am walking toward the hair stuff, where I am picking up a pretty loud conversation of two women in the other isle. It was about Mother's Day!
Then I heard something...and I am not Quoting word for word here...Women #1 "Its just terrible, what a burden to the family." Women #2 "I know. My goodness she is only 17. There goes her dreams!" Women #1 "I called Susan (name totally replaced), and she is going along with the whole thing! Can you beleive it? Will William (name also replaced) out of work, and they have 4 children already and now her own daughter having a baby..." The two women went on and on kind of picking apart this young pregnant girl. WOW! So my bristles went up. I could hear my husband's voice in my head say: "Now to take a deep breathe" ... At that point I felt the adrenaline. I closed my eyes, said a brief prayer. Heard my head say Let it be...But well I didn't. I had to see who these faces were that were attacking another child's character...(we are all children of God...). So I got into spy mode and was sneaking, slowly over to where they stood....And I recognized one of them. She goes to my church. I was instantly saddened.....
So this is where I get to open my wounds, and let you in. I was a teen mom. I got pregnant at 19, with someone whom I loved. I wasn't sleeping around (not that that makes any difference at all...but need to make sure you understand my character). My mom was very supportive. I did/do not beleive in abortion. So I had her. Alone. Solo. The biological father did a 360 and turned into a tool, and stopped calling. I had my mom's support, and my extended family. I had some fantastic friends who stood by me. Laughed and cried with me.
When I was about 6 months along, I was asked by the church's deacon (catholic) at the time, to not to continue to attend this particular church any longer. There was a church in another suburb that someone in 'my situation' could attend. Slap in the face. So not only was I abandoned by a man whom I loved and trusted, but a church where I sought refuge at. I felt so unloved. So ashamed.
By these two women talking about that young woman like that..with such disgust, really tore my heart up. Splintered it all along the shampoo isle. You see what I needed and would of loved during that season in my life...,is if someone would of held me and said..."Its okay, we love you, we admire you and hold you up to our LORD and SAVIOR who will always love you. You and your unborn child. He will always LOVE you no matter who you are, what you do." He is the one that stood by me, held me up, listened to my cries in my pillows. But I didn't know him. I thought he was ashamed of me as well. Because of the actions of people. The bitter words used to harm me. And there were more along my way. This girl's character was being torn up in Target. Instead of lifted up to God.
We pray so much for the youth. They have so many influences outside their walls of their houses. They have glorification of drinking, and even teen pregnancy. 'We' can pray and have programs for abstinence and hope we are leading our youth to a different path. 'We' praise young women when they make a choice not to abort their child. But what do we do when they choose to have a child? 'We' turn our backs on them. And many take the attitude that the women by the shampoo isle took. "Its such a shame' as we shake our heads. Really?? Really?? I wanna shake YOU! My goodness praise be to GOD that this woman is having her baby. Maybe that leads to adoption and like some friends of mine, who are lucky that a 'teen mom' decided to keep her baby, now they have a son. Or maybe she keeps it herself. Did you ever think this may be what God has intended? Who are we to judge? My daughter, who is now 18, saved my life. Changed me forever. Being pregnant with her, I loved her so much, I lived for her to be alive, and changed my path of life leading me closer to God. Just love them...love the teen moms, hold them up. We may not know the whole story behind that bump in the belly or that child in the stroller. We need to LOVE. Love them to Pieces. Show your Love of God to them. I wish someone would of when I was 19 and 6mths pregnant. Wrap your arms around them. You don't have to like how they got in that situation...but you do have to LOVE them. Jesus told you. He told me.
I was just going to walk by. I swear it. Act casual and slip by un- noticed...And I didn't, my basket hit the shelf and knocked shampoo down making a huge amount of noise. (Ugh !) I looked the women in the eye that I knew. Smiled at her. She smiled back. We exchanged pleasantries and I turned and walked away. I would of loved to of quoted Bible scripture at her or out of my heartache tell her exactly how "Un Christian" she was being. But I held my tongue. Instead I thought I am gonna type away about it.
Please don't be the hypocrite people who don't know God like to point out. Please be the one who would wrap your arms around that girl. Be the one to talk to her about God. She needs it. She may not know it at that time. But she needs you. I did.
I am in super love with those bobby pins from 'Goody'. The circular ones that work magic on you hair in a bun, updo, messy pony...whateva...they rock! And well since I am getting used to this long hair of mine...I find it a lot easier to use on my head. Just because I do hair for a living, doesn't mean I have magic hands on my own head. Its hard to reach in the back of your head, holding a mirror to look opposite in another mirror to pin your hair up. Although I LOVE to create on clients...creating on my own head is a headache! Anyway...back to Target. You following me? They were out last time I was there (go figure Prom season), so I thought I would check. I am walking toward the hair stuff, where I am picking up a pretty loud conversation of two women in the other isle. It was about Mother's Day!
Then I heard something...and I am not Quoting word for word here...Women #1 "Its just terrible, what a burden to the family." Women #2 "I know. My goodness she is only 17. There goes her dreams!" Women #1 "I called Susan (name totally replaced), and she is going along with the whole thing! Can you beleive it? Will William (name also replaced) out of work, and they have 4 children already and now her own daughter having a baby..." The two women went on and on kind of picking apart this young pregnant girl. WOW! So my bristles went up. I could hear my husband's voice in my head say: "Now to take a deep breathe" ... At that point I felt the adrenaline. I closed my eyes, said a brief prayer. Heard my head say Let it be...But well I didn't. I had to see who these faces were that were attacking another child's character...(we are all children of God...). So I got into spy mode and was sneaking, slowly over to where they stood....And I recognized one of them. She goes to my church. I was instantly saddened.....
So this is where I get to open my wounds, and let you in. I was a teen mom. I got pregnant at 19, with someone whom I loved. I wasn't sleeping around (not that that makes any difference at all...but need to make sure you understand my character). My mom was very supportive. I did/do not beleive in abortion. So I had her. Alone. Solo. The biological father did a 360 and turned into a tool, and stopped calling. I had my mom's support, and my extended family. I had some fantastic friends who stood by me. Laughed and cried with me.
When I was about 6 months along, I was asked by the church's deacon (catholic) at the time, to not to continue to attend this particular church any longer. There was a church in another suburb that someone in 'my situation' could attend. Slap in the face. So not only was I abandoned by a man whom I loved and trusted, but a church where I sought refuge at. I felt so unloved. So ashamed.
By these two women talking about that young woman like that..with such disgust, really tore my heart up. Splintered it all along the shampoo isle. You see what I needed and would of loved during that season in my life...,is if someone would of held me and said..."Its okay, we love you, we admire you and hold you up to our LORD and SAVIOR who will always love you. You and your unborn child. He will always LOVE you no matter who you are, what you do." He is the one that stood by me, held me up, listened to my cries in my pillows. But I didn't know him. I thought he was ashamed of me as well. Because of the actions of people. The bitter words used to harm me. And there were more along my way. This girl's character was being torn up in Target. Instead of lifted up to God.
We pray so much for the youth. They have so many influences outside their walls of their houses. They have glorification of drinking, and even teen pregnancy. 'We' can pray and have programs for abstinence and hope we are leading our youth to a different path. 'We' praise young women when they make a choice not to abort their child. But what do we do when they choose to have a child? 'We' turn our backs on them. And many take the attitude that the women by the shampoo isle took. "Its such a shame' as we shake our heads. Really?? Really?? I wanna shake YOU! My goodness praise be to GOD that this woman is having her baby. Maybe that leads to adoption and like some friends of mine, who are lucky that a 'teen mom' decided to keep her baby, now they have a son. Or maybe she keeps it herself. Did you ever think this may be what God has intended? Who are we to judge? My daughter, who is now 18, saved my life. Changed me forever. Being pregnant with her, I loved her so much, I lived for her to be alive, and changed my path of life leading me closer to God. Just love them...love the teen moms, hold them up. We may not know the whole story behind that bump in the belly or that child in the stroller. We need to LOVE. Love them to Pieces. Show your Love of God to them. I wish someone would of when I was 19 and 6mths pregnant. Wrap your arms around them. You don't have to like how they got in that situation...but you do have to LOVE them. Jesus told you. He told me.
I was just going to walk by. I swear it. Act casual and slip by un- noticed...And I didn't, my basket hit the shelf and knocked shampoo down making a huge amount of noise. (Ugh !) I looked the women in the eye that I knew. Smiled at her. She smiled back. We exchanged pleasantries and I turned and walked away. I would of loved to of quoted Bible scripture at her or out of my heartache tell her exactly how "Un Christian" she was being. But I held my tongue. Instead I thought I am gonna type away about it.
Please don't be the hypocrite people who don't know God like to point out. Please be the one who would wrap your arms around that girl. Be the one to talk to her about God. She needs it. She may not know it at that time. But she needs you. I did.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Same Page...
Ahhh today was a gorgeous day out...really the second day of Spring here in Minnesota...actually the day isn't even over with, as long as there is light out. I love these days. I love the smell of the open windows in my bedroom and bathroom. Isn't that crazy. I LOVE the smell of the open-ness of my house. It may be getting chilly out as the sun is setting. But this is spring in Minnesota...gotta enjoy it while its happening, tomorrow we could get rain or...even the 's' word.
I could feel the sun shining through my blinds this morning. I smiled. I said a quick 'Thank You' to God and got up to start my day, which really starts with Him and a cup of java.
Have you ever listened to what God chats back to you? I mean really listened? As you ramble (and I say that most lovingly), thru your prayers, your praise...do you hear him? I heard him laugh this morning. It was a good hearty chuckle. Kind of startled me a bit and I looked around my little office to see if it was someone looking over my shoulder, or the tv or something. I try to have it quiet...but with kids, a husband and a dog. Its hard. I wait until the house is cleared out, or they are pre occupied...because if I don't then I get the "mom..." or "honey"..or "whatcha doing". I don't want to have to yell- "I AM HAVING MY QUIET TIME WITH GOD...LEAVE ME ALONE!", that kind of breaks up the quiet, peaceful, happiness of the moment, you know?
So where was I? Oh yeah...the laugh. I ramble when I talk to God. I write sometimes. Most of the time we just talk, or I should say I do and He listens. I pray. I praise. And I ramble. Today was more of the rambling. A lot of the rambling. I have been asking that He show me what He wants me to do in my life. Where does He want me to go? Who does he want me to be? And it was quiet. Hmmm. 'So I am good right, God?' That's where He laughed. Probably because he knows my heart so well. That comment I made..."So I am good right, God?" wasn't meaning..I am good, like a good person, good follower, good believer, good friend....it meant...between God and I...that we are good. We are on the same page. I am where I should be. Doing what I should be doing. His laugh was like an indication..."ummm, No. we are not on the same page, and you know it." Because He knows I know it. Because He knows my heart so well, that I am scared to know HIS answers. Where does this leave me? Not on the same page-for now. I am so coming out of this little tidy box I have kept myself in. Although today, we are not on the same page. I am closely coming to it. I am changing and I am changing the world. So not on the same page today, I get that. But I know He loves me. Love me. Loves me. It is just not me loving Him. I can say that and I can beleive that. That page..well my dears, that page is the same.
I could feel the sun shining through my blinds this morning. I smiled. I said a quick 'Thank You' to God and got up to start my day, which really starts with Him and a cup of java.
Have you ever listened to what God chats back to you? I mean really listened? As you ramble (and I say that most lovingly), thru your prayers, your praise...do you hear him? I heard him laugh this morning. It was a good hearty chuckle. Kind of startled me a bit and I looked around my little office to see if it was someone looking over my shoulder, or the tv or something. I try to have it quiet...but with kids, a husband and a dog. Its hard. I wait until the house is cleared out, or they are pre occupied...because if I don't then I get the "mom..." or "honey"..or "whatcha doing". I don't want to have to yell- "I AM HAVING MY QUIET TIME WITH GOD...LEAVE ME ALONE!", that kind of breaks up the quiet, peaceful, happiness of the moment, you know?
So where was I? Oh yeah...the laugh. I ramble when I talk to God. I write sometimes. Most of the time we just talk, or I should say I do and He listens. I pray. I praise. And I ramble. Today was more of the rambling. A lot of the rambling. I have been asking that He show me what He wants me to do in my life. Where does He want me to go? Who does he want me to be? And it was quiet. Hmmm. 'So I am good right, God?' That's where He laughed. Probably because he knows my heart so well. That comment I made..."So I am good right, God?" wasn't meaning..I am good, like a good person, good follower, good believer, good friend....it meant...between God and I...that we are good. We are on the same page. I am where I should be. Doing what I should be doing. His laugh was like an indication..."ummm, No. we are not on the same page, and you know it." Because He knows I know it. Because He knows my heart so well, that I am scared to know HIS answers. Where does this leave me? Not on the same page-for now. I am so coming out of this little tidy box I have kept myself in. Although today, we are not on the same page. I am closely coming to it. I am changing and I am changing the world. So not on the same page today, I get that. But I know He loves me. Love me. Loves me. It is just not me loving Him. I can say that and I can beleive that. That page..well my dears, that page is the same.
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