Jeanne Takenaka
Many of us struggle to see that we are beautiful in God’s eyes. Others’ opinions sway us to see ourselves through man’s eyes. God sees us through His own lens. Read to learn five ways to help us believe what God says about us.
Jeanne Takenaka
How many times have you entered into a Christmas season with a plan in mind, and by the time Christmas morning arrived, that plan had been thrown to the wind? Whether because of life circumstances—something you’re grieving, a job loss, broken relationships, heartbreak, weariness—or something else, there is a purpose when plans get changed. When God changes our plans, we always get to choose how we respond. On the blog this week, I share some thoughts on Joseph, of Mary and Joseph fame. His life plans were absolutely rocked when God showed up in his and Mary’s life. And his response is beautiful and hope-filled. Click to read one essential truth to help you when God changes your plans. I’d love to know, friend, how do you respond when God changes your plans?
Jeanne Takenaka
Should you take time to care for yourself during the holidays? I know, seems like a rather ridiculous question. Of course, you should. But how many of us push ourselves so hard during the Christmas season to do all the things, buy all the gifts, keep all the traditions, that we land on Christmas morning exhausted? Yes, you may see me raising my hand here. Click to read 11 ways you can care for yourself during this potentially stressful season.
Jeanne Takenaka
What is the best time of year to reflect on our present blessings? Sound like a trick question? Maybe it is. This is what I know. When we choose to thank God for our present blessings, especially when we’re walking through a hard season in life, we can know His nearness. Have you, in the middle of a hard time, stopped and looked for the ways God’s showing up in the midst of the pain, the struggle? What’s happened? For me, I find getting my eyes off of the circumstance and onto my Father changes my outlook. In this week’s blog post, I share seven helpful ways to help you reflect on present blessings. I’d love to know, friend, What helps you reflect on present blessings, especially in the midst of hard seasons?
Jeanne Takenaka
Finding contentment in life can be elusive. When we know truths about contentment, we can learn to live in contentment. Read for truths and ways
Jeanne Takenaka
How many of us chafe at the boundaries in life? The thing is, boundaries can be our guide to a life where we thrive. When we allow distractions to steer us out of our lanes, we may end up in a very different place than we’d planned. I’ve been thinking about the mindsets and heart attitudes that can help us to trust God to give us the best-for-us boundaries in order to live a rich life. This week’s blog focuses on why we get distracted and what healthy mindsets and “heartsets” can help us thrive in this life. I’d love to know, friend, what have you learned when hemmed in by boundaries in life?
Jeanne Takenaka
Do you plan your life intentionally, or do you take each day as it comes? My pastor asked this question recently, "How are you spending your life?" I’ve been thinking a lot about that question. I’m convicted by the amount of time I waste on “lesser things.” You too? I’m praying more intentionally about how I should be spending my days. I believe we spend our lives better when we ask God for His plans. No, He doesn’t often answer with something broad. Sometimes, He only offers the next step forward. On the blog this week, I’m sharing seven truths and practical applications that can help you plan your life with intention. I’d love if you stopped by, read and shared your thoughts! I’d love to know, friend, what are things you do to listen well?
Jeanne Takenaka
What're your thoughts on the importance of listening? To experience the benefits, we must be an attentive listener. Read for ways to and benefits from listening
Jeanne Takenaka
How do we overcome perfectionism? Seven beginning steps to shift mindsets about ourselves and situations. Click to learn seven beginning steps
Jeanne Takenaka
How many of us know how to be intentional in how we live? I’ve found that before I could be intentional in how I live, I needed to understand the purposes, callings, goals, and even dreams that God has given me. When we know these things, we can make choices with our time and our hearts that move us toward accomplishing them. But, let’s be honest, we live in a busy-centered world. We have to fight the nudges to become distracted. Instead, we must stay focused on our Father and the unique callings He’s given each of us. I’m taking kind of a deep dive on this idea on the blog this week. I’d love if you stopped by to read and share your thoughts. I’d love to hear, friends, what helps you to be intentional about what you choose each day?
Jeanne Takenaka
To pray for our children is one of our highest callings. As our kids grow, their prayer needs will change. I’ve found that praying for my sons is a calling and a privilege. Honestly, I’ve been inconsistent up until the past few years. My friend and author/blogger, @loisflowers, shares wise insights about how she has developed a prayer plan for praying for her daughters. I love how intentional she is in praying for her now-grown daughters. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what she shares! To read, you can click the Blog link in my bio. I’d love to know, friend, How has God answered specific requests you’ve prayed for young people in your life? ***If you’re a blogger, join the #TellHisStory link-up and meet other encouragement bloggers! You can follow my blog link in the bio to find the link-up.
Jeanne Takenaka
How do we live intentionally in a world determined to distract us? First we must adjust heartsets and mindsets.Surprised? Read to learn nine changes you can make to prepare your heart and mind to live intentionally
Jeanne Takenaka
How do we hold onto hope during the transitions in life? We’ve all walked through transitions in our lives, some were fairly easy to navigate, while others were push-us-to-the-ground hard. HOPE is an important element in helping us walk through those hard life changes. On the blog this week, @lisajordanauthor shares four important truths and lots of practical suggestions to helps us find hope and walk through life’s transitions. To read, you can click the Blog link in my bio. I’d love to know, friend, what helps you hold onto hope during life’s transitions? ***If you’re a blogger, join the #TellHisStory link-up and meet other encouragement bloggers! You can follow my blog link in the bio.
Jeanne Takenaka
How do we weather changes in life? Life changes can't force us into passive acceptance. We can make choices to walk well through changes in life. Click to read.
Jeanne Takenaka
Does anyone else sometimes struggle to be kind to yourself? This has been an ongoing learning to give myself grace. It’s so much easier to give others grace than to offer it to myself. And yet, when we are gentle with ourselves, so much more good comes out of that choice. To be kind to yourself is more than a truism.. When we make mistakes or don't live up to expectations, being kind to ourselves helps us work through these in a healthier way I’m diving into this idea on the blog this week. I’d love to hear your thoughts for reasons why and ways to be kind to ourselves. ***If you’re a blogger, join the #TellHisStory link-up and meet other encouragement bloggers! Follow my blog link in the bio.
Jeanne Takenaka
We need to know when silencing the inner critic is necessary. At times, that inner critic helps us when we’ve gone in a wrong direction. It can turn us onto a healthier path. But when we give it too much authority in our lives, the inner critic demeans us and undermines our confidence.
Jeanne Takenaka
Why is it so hard to stop comparing ourselves to others? I’ve struggled with this for most of my life. On the blog this week, I share a story about when I fell into the comparison trap. the thing about this habit is it’s a mindset. When we understand how much God values us, when we trust what His word says about us, we can overcome this detrimental habit. On the blog, I’m sharing 13 ways to stop comparing ourselves to others. I’d love to hear, friend, how do take control of those comparing thoughts? ***If you’re a blogger, join the #TellHisStory link-up and meet other encouragement bloggers! Follow my blog link in the bio.
Jeanne Takenaka
Why do we compare ourselves with others? I thought I’d be done with making comparisons by this stage of my life. Sadly, I still fall into this trap. I’ve lived most of my life comparing myself to others. When I was a child, it was all about if I was wearing cute clothes or if I could play kickball as well as the boys and be picked for their team. In college, comparison became about who I hung out with. As I grew further into adulthood, comparison always weaseled its way into my decision processes. On the blog this week, I’m sharing three motives for comparison: one reasonable. One bad. And one downright terrible. Click to read more about why we compare ourselves with others. I’d love it if you shared your thoughts about why we compare ourselves with each other. ***If you’re a blogger, join the #TellHisStory link-up and meet other encouragement bloggers! Follow my blog link in the bio.
Jeanne Takenaka
What are your thoughts about independence and liberty? These words both hold deep meaning, both personally and nationally. Read these nine quotes that share thoughts about independence from thinkers and statesmen and share your thoughts with me.
Jeanne Takenaka
We all have seasons when we’re waiting on the Lord. God uses waiting seasons in our lives. Almost always, He gives us the choice on how we will wait on Him. When we find ourselves in a place where we can’t move forward, let’s wait on the Lord with purpose. Let Him use this season in our lives. On the blog this week, I’m sharing a bit about how Hubs and I are waiting right now. Though waiting is rarely easy, it needn’t be wasted in our lives. I’d love to know, friend, what do you do when waiting on the Lord? IF you're a fellow blogger, check out the TellHisStory linkup on my site. :) Come join us!
Jeanne Takenaka
Are you like me? Have you walked through painful seasons when there was nothing to do BUT wait on God to move? Hard, isn’t it?? I’ve gone a few rounds with God about waiting seasons. Truth is, He always comes out the winner. And, in retrospect, I’m so very thankful! How do we wait on God well during hard seasons? I’ve found waiting is just plain hard. We each have things within us that make this difficult. For me, I like control of my life. But, God is the One who is ultimately in control. We each have our reasons, including finding it difficult to trust God when we want control of our lives. Click to read in-depth thoughts about how to wait on God well in hard seasons. I’d love to know, friend, what helps you wait on God to work in hard seasons? ***If you’re a blogger, join the #TellHisStory link-up and meet other encouragement bloggers!
Jeanne Takenaka
I recently read two pre-release books and am sharing book reviews on them. Check out a couple of summer reading recommendations!
Jeanne Takenaka
Mothers need God's grace as moms. When we must love well in hard seasons with our children, or we must learn how to let go of mistakes in our mothering, God's grace will help us. Read more to see how.
Jeanne Takenaka
When moms see how God gives grace to them, they can learn to give grace to themselves in the hard parts of mothering. Click for encouragement
Jeanne Takenaka
I suspect, if we’re honest, we’ve each grappled with questions about prayer at some point in our lives. Maybe even in this point in our lives. We don’t always understand God’s ways when it comes to prayer. What does He think when we bring the same request to Him day after day? How do we embrace the times when we’ve poured out our hearts to Him, and God seems silent? These are questions others have shared with me recently. And they are questions I’ve tried to find answers to. One thing I’m learning is that when we understand God’s heart on the matter of prayer, we will better know how to pray. On the blog, I’m sharing some perspectives regarding questions about prayer. Click on the link in my bio to read this week’s post. I’d love to hear, friends, what questions about prayer do you grapple with?
Jeanne Takenaka
We've all tried to find the "in" to persuade God to answer prayers. Read this post to learn what does—and doesn't—move God to answer prayers.
Jeanne Takenaka
How do we handle waiting on God to answer our prayers? We are an impatient lot, aren't we? We pray to God, sharing our requests, needs, and desires with Him. But, when God doesn't respond quickly, the wait can be hard. Read this week's blog post that shares mindsets and perspectives with six ways we can wait well.
Jeanne Takenaka
Have you ever been asked to commit to something and answered yes before you stopped to think about it? We've probably all been in this place. But, before we answer yes or no, we need to consider a few different things. Knowing our personal values helps us in knowing when to commit to something. Click to read perspectives to help avoid overcommitment
Jeanne Takenaka
Why should we define our personal values? We need to check our motivations behind what we believe are our core values. As we understand our personal values, we can make healthy decisions for our lives. Click to read more.
Jeanne Takenaka
How do we stop people pleasing? This requires mindset shifts. Click to read ten biblical mindsets and practical tips to help us stop people pleasing
Jeanne Takenaka
Q4U: If you’ve struggled with people pleasing, what helped you discover your people-pleasing tendencies? True story: I became a people-pleaser at a young age. Rejection by my peers drove me to do whatever I had to in order to find acceptance. Unfortunately, it took me many years to discover the damage this tendency wreaked in my life. People pleasing is a sneaky tendency we can slip into. When we understand what causes people pleasing to be a priority in our thoughts and hearts, we can change. This week on the blog, I’m talking about what causes people pleasing to become too important in our hearts and thoughts. We’re going to explore this topic more, but click the link in my bio to read some of the unexpected results of people-pleasing tendencies.
Jeanne Takenaka
Q4U: What’s one truth that helps you keep an accurate mindset about how God views you? When have inaccurate perceptions impacted how you saw the facets of your life? God has had to recalibrate my inaccurate perceptions throughout my life. When I struggled with rejection issues? Yup, God was kind enough to help me reframe my perspective. When life’s hard bowled me over with the force of a tidal wave? God was gracious and reminded me of His truths. Click to read this week’s blog post to learn five ways I have learned to reframe inaccurate perceptions about myself and God.
Jeanne Takenaka
Preparing our hearts for a new year takes being intentional. An effective way is to focus on one word. Read on for benefits of focusing on one word
Jeanne Takenaka
Who are your favorite characters of Christmas? Honestly? I think I’m fascinated by each one in the Christmas story. Mary and Joseph with their devotion and
Jeanne Takenaka
To fall into striving for perfection during the Christmas season is easy. But does this prepare us for the celebration?Click to read why to stop striving
Jeanne Takenaka
Q4U: How do you prepare your heart for the coming year? Is it too early to begin thinking about our One Word for next year? I know, some people are shaking their heads at the very question, thinking, “Just let me get through Christmas first.” If I’m being honest, I began praying about my one word for 2023 back in September. I want to be intentional about how I live my days, and having a one word to focus on helps me do this. This week, on the blog, I’m sharing 6 inspiring ways to choose one word for next year. If you’re not a “one word” person, I hope you’ll read anyway and consider the idea of focusing on a single word for the year. If you are a “one word” person, I’d love to know how you find your word for the year! Tell me, friends, How do you prepare your heart for the coming year? Share your answer in the comments!
Jeanne Takenaka
Does anyone else fall into the mindset that joy must be reserved for the “big” things in life? When we only choose to find joy in the big things, not recognizing the simple things that bring us joy, life will become . . . blah. But, if we make some changes in our mindsets and the choices we make, joy can be found in everyday occurrences . This leads to our hearts and minds being open to joy, even in busy or difficult seasons. ‘Click the link to read the blog post to learn how you can find joy in simple things. So tell me, friends, What helps you find joy in simple things? Share your answer in the comments!
Jeanne Takenaka
Q4U: What helps you make room for joy in your busy days? What brings joy into your life right now? Do you even know? It’s a sad state when it’s only November first, and I’m already weary. In these first days of the eleventh month of the year, we’re living in the calm before the crazy. The crazy of preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones or/and friends. What brings us joy begins with where our thoughts are. I’m blogging on how to choose joy in busy seasons. Click to read more in-depth thoughts. So tell me, friends, What helps you make room for joy in your busy days? Share your answer in the comments!
Jeanne Takenaka
Has God ever asked you a question so clearly that you squirmed with the discomfort of it . . . that it caused a perspective shift in your heart and soul? In case you’re wondering, yes, this happened to me. Sometimes God asks challenging questions that touch deep places in our hearts. The only way to answer honestly requires a perspective shift. On the blog this week, I share about a question God challenged me with and what happened after. Click to read the question God asked me, what He taught me, and how I answered So tell me, friends, When has God challenged you with a question and what was it? Share your answer in the comments!
Jeanne Takenaka
Have you ever planned a trip to a tropical locale—Hawaii, maybe—and ended up in Helsinki? I’ve never done this physically, but I’ve definitely had plans to go to one place in life and ended up in a very different location in my heart, mind, goals, and expectations. We all have preconceived ideas on where our life path will lead. When we end up on a completely different track, especially when it’s beyond our control, we are sometimes shaken. We don’t always know how to manage expectations in the unexpected place we ended up. I’m in the throes of learning how to live in my personal Helsinki. Click to read three tips that are helping me manage expectations in my unexpected season.
Jeanne Takenaka
When we choose faith during trials, we can know God's grace. He offers three interesting results when we trust. Read to learn what happens when we choose faith
Jeanne Takenaka
We all face anxiety at times. When worry squeezes us, let's remind ourselves Who is in control. Hint: it’s not us. Sometimes the reminder of who God is helps release anxiety. Click to read more about releasing anxiety and trusting God.
Jeanne Takenaka
We all face anxiety at times. When worry squeezes us, let's remind ourselves Who is in control. Hint: it’s not us. Sometimes the reminder of who God is helps release anxiety. Click to read more about releasing anxiety and trusting God.
Jeanne Takenaka
Our choices always affect our path going forward. But some choices we make impact our present and future. Others we can look back on and see how they influenced our past. Click to read a biblical perspective on our choices.
Jeanne Takenaka
How do you choose courage? Have you ever walked through seasons that overwhelmed you with emotion and heartache? This summer, though it held wonderful memories, also unlocked much heartache. Many hard, painful things have been going on in our family. I imagine we’ve all walked through difficult seasons, times when we're tempted to shrink back. How do we get through them? Do we cower or choose courage? Hint: choosing anything is an action we take. Click here to read four ways we should get honest with God so we can choose courage.
Jeanne Takenaka
This summer’s craziness finally caught up with me. When I posted a couple of weeks ago, I completely forgot to mention that I would be gone this week.
Jeanne Takenaka
We may hide from God when we’re uncomfortable where He's placed us—a work situation, a hard mothering season, or a place where we want something He hasn't given. Click to read what happens when we stop hiding from God.
Jeanne Takenaka
Q4U: What has shaped your understanding of our identity in Christ? Has anyone else struggled with understanding our identity in Christ? When I was younger, I rooted my identity in being a military wife, working in women’s ministry at our church, being a Bible teacher. But when our first was born, I went from being in the middle of all the action to feeling like I was on the highest up shelf in the very hardest-to-reach back corner. My identity was rocked when my roles went away. Understanding our identity in Christ and how this impacts the way we live is crucial. When we embrace our identity in Him, we live differently. Click the link to read the entire post and learn six ways to help us embrace our identity in Christ.
Jeanne Takenaka
How do we respond when we feel worthless? Keeping it real, I recently talked with a loved one who has made a series of poor choices. They are unhappy with where they are in life, and right now, they feel worthless. Believe me when I say I’ve been there. When we feel worthless, we need a shift in our perspective. Read for suggestions to help remember we have worth and why.
Jeanne Takenaka
Have you ever felt disappointed in God? Like He didn't meet an expectation you had? I have. When our Father allows trials into our lives, we must choose between self-focus and being disappointed in God or believing He is who He says He is, in spite of what our circumstances tell us. Click the link to read about how to gain peace when God's plans are different from ours and share your thoughts about disappointment with God.
Jeanne Takenaka
We’ve all sung songs about how God is good. And, if you’re like me, in the moment you’re singing that song, your heart shouts, “Yes!” But what about when hard things happen? When a pregnancy is lost to miscarriage? When there’s a life-changing diagnosis? When we lose our security? When a kid wanders or rebels? When someone wrongs us and we did nothing to deserve it? When we look at the bigger world and see so much evil? What about then? I'm sharing some important perspectives about the question, "Is God good always?" on the blog this week. Click the link to read the post and share your thoughts.
Jeanne Takenaka
Can fear and faith coexist? We all grapple with fear in certain seasons of our lives. Wrestling between the uncertainties between fear and faith will happen, but only one of these will have the final say in our hearts. We must choose what we believe. When life gets hard, will we believe what we see, what our circumstances tell us? Click the linking my bio to read more thoughts on why we must choose between fear and faith.
Jeanne Takenaka
Do you know how to deal with fear? Fear impacts us on many levels. In our minds, on a heart level, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Click here to learn how to deal with fear in our minds and hearts.
Jeanne Takenaka
Have you figured out how to overcome fear? I’ve discovered fear often comes from dwelling on the “what if’s” (future thinking) or the “Maybes” (unfactual thinking). I’m so guilty of this. We must think on what is true. How do we do this? We must think on what is true. How do we do this? Click here to learn steps we can work on for our minds to overcome fear
Jeanne Takenaka
Have you ever really considered how fear affects us? Over the past number of months, I’ve had to accept the reality that, for most of my life, I’ve allowed fear to be the boss of me. Yes, I’m hanging my head a little at the admission. I’ve been a Jesus-girl since I was fourteen. You’d think decades of walking with Him would have cured me, right? Ummm, nope. This week on the blog I’m sharing lessons and information I’m learning on how fear affects us. Click the link in my bio to read the post. I’d love to hear how you navigate through fear, especially the long-term kind.
Jeanne Takenaka
It’s hard to ask for forgiveness when we’ve wronged someone else. Whether the “wronging” was a minor infraction or a pretty major deal, God is clear. We need to ask for forgiveness from Him and from the person we wronged. How much goes into doing this well? I’m sharing thoughts on the blog this week. Click to read some suggestions that can prepare you for the next time you must ask to be forgiven, and share your thoughts with me.
Jeanne Takenaka
How many of us know how to forgive someone? Forgiving can be hard. We’ve all faced times when confronted with the choice of extending forgiveness—or not—we falter. Click here to learn five truths that can help your mind and heart to be ready to forgive.
Jeanne Takenaka
Why is forgiveness important? It’s our choice. Right? Yes, it is. But God tells us throughout His word that we are to forgive. He put no conditions on His forgiveness of our sins. Yes, He allows us to choose whether or not we’ll forgive. But, there are corresponding next steps that come once we make our choice. Click the link to read more about what happens next.
Jeanne Takenaka
We all find ourselves dealing with conflict in our relationships. Knowing the root of conflict and how to work through that enables us to handle conflict situations more effectively. Click to learn the root and tips for handling it.
Jeanne Takenaka
Often, people we love most hold the greatest capacity to hurt us deeply. For this reason, it’s wise to know some do’s and don’t’s for calming conflict.
Jeanne Takenaka
When the first day of 2021 rolled around, I was confident because I knew my One Word. I thought I had a good plan to move forward into a successful year. But I was utterly unprepared for all that 2021 held. Most of my writing plans went by the wayside. And my heart and mind and spirit? They were blindsided by everything 2021 was. Click to read 8 things that can prepare our hearts and minds for the new year and share your thoughts! When the first day of 2021 rolled around, I was confident because I knew my One Word for the year. I thought I had a good plan to move forward into a successful year. But I was utterly unprepared for all that 2021 held. Most of my writing plans went by the wayside. And my heart and mind and spirit? They felt blindsided by everything 2021 was. Click to read how I'm preparing my heart and mind to handle the unexpected this year may hold.
Jeanne Takenaka
Are you a one-word advocate, a resolution-making person, or do you have another method that helps you begin each year well? For the past number of years, I’ve chosen one word to focus on. I used to write out resolutions, but I never kept with them past March of the year. Click to read why I focus on one word and what my word is.
Jeanne Takenaka
Mary accepted God’s plan for her.Her heart was humble before her Father. She possessed a heart that honors God, and He honored her obedience.
Jeanne Takenaka
It’s so easy to focus on the getting things done and not on the thriving through the holidays. If we’re honest, we’ll admit we can’t do it all and still stay sane. As we grapple with how to enjoy the season and not arrive at Christmas morning EXHAUSTED, Click here for eleven gifts to give yourself if you don't want to be exhausted on Christmas morning.
Jeanne Takenaka
It's that time of year when the to-do list seems never-ending. We have so much to do that it's hard to simply be. If you struggle with doing or being in the holiday season, click here for five perspectives to help find a balance between doing and being.
Jeanne Takenaka
How do we deal with discontentment in a world that pushes us to always want more? But when we become ensnared in the lie that “more is always better,” our souls become discontent. God has challenged me with my own dissatisfaction. Click here for seven helpful mindsets to help us deal with discontentment as we enter the holiday season.
Jeanne Takenaka
Have you walked through a grief journey? In her book, Edie Melson shares many insights and fresh perspectives for the various aspects of grieving.
Jeanne Takenaka
Looking for tips for helping others going through a tough time? Read this post for solid ideas. Sometimes helping others through a tough time comes in just being present.
Jeanne Takenaka
We’ve all endured difficult seasons. And, if we’re honest, most of us have struggled with God during some of them. Have you experienced a time when you thought God was going to “come through” for you, only to be disappointed when He seemed silent?When we’re in a season when God seems silent, we need to determine what we believe. This determines how we walk out our faith in hard times. I’m sharing honest thoughts on the blog this week. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Stop by, read, and share. Link in bio.
Jeanne Takenaka
Have you ever been in a circumstance when it felt like God was far away, when you couldn't understand why God allowed that thing to happen? Yep, I've been there too. When we’re in the middle of painful, impossible-to-understand situations, we have a choice about how we'll respond. Read more on this week's blog.
Jeanne Takenaka
I'm not a fan of change. Perhaps, it’s that I don’t like not knowing what I can expect. Or, it could be (ahem) that I like being in control. Whatever it is, when a plot twist veers me from my anticipated path, I must decide how I’ll handle change.
Jeanne Takenaka
Have you ever faced a situation in life where change was thrust upon you? Me too. When big life changes barge into our days—altering schedules, plans, mindsets, the things we thought we knew—God has a purpose in allowing them. I'm sharing six thoughts for how to navigate life changes. Come share your thoughts.
Jeanne Takenaka
When have you found yourself in a situation where fear spoke loudly to your heart? I share one in this week’s blog, and the lessons I’ve learned on how to find courage in the midst of fearful situations. Choosing courage becomes easier when we have facts to fall back on. Fear feeds on uncertainty. But when we know the truth of a matter, we can make a courage-based choice.
Jeanne Takenaka
Pursuing dreams requires work and a whole lotta brave. Many people say they want a certain dream, but they don’t work toward achieving it. This week on the blog, I’m sharing three thoughts that can help those of us pursuing dreams to keep pressing forward. Q4U: What dreams are you holding in your heart right now?
Jeanne Takenaka
Have you ever wanted something so badly you could almost taste it? But, also so badly that the thought of not attaining it—the fear of failure—kept you from even trying? Yeah, been there. Done that. Wouldn’t wanna pay for the t-shirt.
Jeanne Takenaka
It seems like the dark seasons are where we can truly begin to understand the depth of God’s love. Walking through my own painful times, I've seen God's love for me the most clearly. When have you seen His love most distinctly?
Jeanne Takenaka
Last month, when unexpected circumstances piled heavy on my shoulders, I felt stressed. Why? Because I felt like I had to carry it all on my own. I wanted God’s peace, but on my terms. I desired to know the why’s of the situations that arose. On the blog this week, I’m sharing a truth God recently shared with me about walking through stressful times with peace.
Jeanne Takenaka
We’ve all been at a place in life when we’re exhausted, but what do we do when we can’t step off life’s merry-go-round in order to rest? Read on to gather some tips to help in those times when life refuses to slow down and leaves you weary.
Jeanne Takenaka
How do you embrace the season you’re living in? In the mothering season, I've learned so much about walking through the wonderful and the wounding seasons. Whether your current season is easy or hard, here are five things you can do to embrace each moment.
Jeanne Takenaka
How many of us have walked through seasons when we’re burned out? I have loved ones in that place as I write this. Okay, and I may be there as well. Refreshing begins when we offer ourselves an opportunity to rest. Chances are good if we’re worn down, we need to spend some time remembering truths in God’s word.
Jeanne Takenaka
When we go through difficult seasons, that waiting can seem like it takes forever. The anticipation of what’s to come—even if it’s positive—can be a burden.
Jeanne Takenaka
Waiting seasons are about far more than biding time until something happens or an answer is given or a situation is resolved. They are almost an invitation to lean into God and trust Him more. Often, in a wait, our perspectives end up changing. Our heart attitudes also need to be aligned with God’s plans, even when we don’t understand they why’s behind the wait. On the blog this week, I’m sharing some heart attitudes for waiting. I’d love to hear your thoughts and additions to my list.
Jeanne Takenaka
Waiting can be so challenging. But, when we maintain a healthy mindset in a waiting season, the wait can be a little more peaceful. I'm sharing six steps to help maintain a healthy mindset in waiting seasons.
Jeanne Takenaka
Waiting seasons are in-your-face reminders that we have no control in the situation. One thing God has taught me over the past few years is my desire to control springs from both the fear of the unknown and a lack of trust in my Father’s plan. What do we do with the fact that sometimes, we have no control in the wait?
Jeanne Takenaka
As we walk through Holy Week, it's easy to want to just get to Easter Sunday. When I was a girl, our family knew what Jesus did, but we focused on His resurrection. As a girl I celebrated the “after” without considering the impact of what came “before.” Before the resurrection came the crucifixion. As I've grown in my relationship with Jesus, I am more and more in awe of His sacrificial love for all of us. This is a good week to meditate on Jesus' sacrificial love. Because without His willingness to die in our place, we'd have no Easter to celebrate his rising back to life.
Jeanne Takenaka
But when life’s storms pound against our souls, there is only one place where we will find refuge. Lisa Jordan shares insights about this at the blog this week.
Jeanne Takenaka
Have you ever struggled with disappointment with God? My answer: YES . . . too many times to count. As we move toward Palm Sunday, I am convicted by the Jewish leaders' response to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Why did the religious leaders question Jesus’ authority to enter in the prophesied way? Was it because there were others trying to get in on the notoriety of riding into Jerusalem on foretold day and being seen as a hero, a messiah? Or, was it because Jesus wasn’t the Messiah they wanted? I'm blogging on why we sometimes don't see Jesus as the Messiah we want. Come read and share your thoughts.
Jeanne Takenaka
I suspect I’m not the only one who’s gone through seasons where hard things keep piling on our shoulders. When a number of difficult things strike at once, it can become difficult to trust God. I’m blogging about this this week. When trusting God is hard, we may need to search our hearts to see what’s making it hard for us to trust Him. I share five areas where we may need to make some changes.
Jeanne Takenaka
Sometimes, greatness comes when we choose to lay aside what we want to feed the souls of those closest to us. Because it’s in learning to die to self and to love others well that God fulfills our desire for “greatness”. At times, we need a perspective-shift, don’t we?
Jeanne Takenaka
We will face times when we don’t understand God’s ways. When God feels distant, we often separate from Him to try and protect ourselves. We’re poor guardians of our hearts and lives.
Jeanne Takenaka
When we don’t understand our worth, we do and say things that hollow us out. We view ourselves through an inaccurate lens.
Jeanne Takenaka
To love a husband well requires intentional choosing to make him our second most important priority in our lives, second to Jesus.
Jeanne Takenaka
As our family walks through some sorrow, I’m challenged by the question, “Do I love well?” I’ve realized that loving people who may be difficult requires some “baring my heart to the Lord. There's a connection between forgiveness and loving well. It’s impossible to love well if we hold onto hurts. Come share your thoughts about this delicate topic.
Jeanne Takenaka
We’ve all faced plenty of fears, particularly in this past year. But, even in the midst of dark seasons when fear tries to snuff us out, we can shine the light of Jesus in us. Lisa Jordan shares a beautiful post and story about shining our light in the face of fear. Come read her inspiring story and share your thoughts.
Jeanne Takenaka
Fear has a voice. When we make a wrong choice—and especially when it impacts another person—sometimes our first instinct is to try and hide what we have done, in the hopes that we won’t be found out. This invitation to fear to speak into our hearts leads to harmful places. We try to hide because of shame. If we let it go long enough, our beliefs about who God is shifts to dangerous perspectives.
Jeanne Takenaka
If we’re honest, I bet we’ve all been gripped by the fear of losing someone or something that is precious to us. One thing I’ve learned is that fear often ultimately stems from not trusting God. In the blog this week, I share five thoughts for dealing with the fear of loss. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Jeanne Takenaka
I've tried beginning the year with a list of resolutions. I'm one of those statistics who never makes it past the end of January in sticking to them. However, the idea of focusing on One Word has deepened my relationship with the Lord and grown me as a person. I'm looking with anticipation to see what the Lord wants to teach me wtih this year's word. Read my blog to discover lessons I've learned and what my word is this year.
Jeanne Takenaka
Most of us began decorating early for Christmas this year, because we just need something to look forward to. Christmas seems to have an expectation that we "be happy!". When we just can’t muster a smile or a happy countenance for the Christmas season, that’s okay. God is with us. He knows our pain. Read the blog for some thoughts on when what we need to remember most is the meaning of Emmanuel.
Jeanne Takenaka
Who else is feeling BUSY?? I’m discovering there’s more than one kind of busy and more than one kind of rest. When we know where we’re depleted, we can begin embracing rest as a part of our lives. Read the blog this week to learn seven areas where we need to give ourselves permission to rest.
Jeanne Takenaka
When we walk through busy or painful seasons, we slip into the mindset that we don't have time to rest. The truth is: there's a place for rest, even in those seasons. When we choose rest, we walk better through life's circumstances.