Life – Just Jac

Dear Lord,

Some thoughts.

I saw this photo earlier this week, and it really resonated with me.

You don’t need big, beautiful, “churchy,” poetic words to talk to God. Nope. You don’t even need words at all. HE KNOWS. You don’t have to explain anything, just go and rest in Him.

This week has been a tough one for a lot of people, for a lot of reasons. Losing someone unexpectedly is SO VERY HARD. While I had not known this person long, it was a wake-up call as to how things can change in an instant. How life is so fragile.

It made my heart ache so deeply for those I know and saw and talked to who were close to this person.

It reminded me of the sermon that was preached last Sunday at Life Vineyard Church and words that I have heard from a few mentors. You have to let yourself feel all of your feelings to be able to move through and heal.

But I will admit, I didn’t take that advice.

While I felt and grieved for everyone, I didn’t really let myself. I tried to numb my thoughts and feelings by eating and drinking junk so I could sleep and not think and feel my feelings.

Not my proudest moment, but I wasn’t sure if I could be a good support if I was grieving too. *insert eyeroll*

So yesterday I went to God. I went to God and cried for everyone touched by this loss and for myself. I didn’t have words. HE KNEW.

Being in HIS presence is peace-giving, life-giving and healing. While the sadness isn’t all gone, I have a lighter heart than I did before I went to HIM.

One last thought. Yes, Heaven is rejoicing by this good and faithful servant returning home. BUT, I believe that Jesus is weeping with everyone touched by this loss. It breaks His heart to see us heartbroken. Instead of the awful “everything happens for a reason” statement, I find more comfort in knowing that Jesus is weeping right along side of us.

It’s okay to cry. It’s okay not to have any words. HE KNOWS.

Thursday Things: Thinking About Resolutions

I’m a New Year’s junkie, and I am sharing one of my resolutions!

HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!! I’ve missed this space!!!!!

I had to take an unexpected hiatus due to L I F E.

^^^ Me handling life the last month ^^^

But now that life is settling a bit, I have started looking forward to 2018. New Year’s is quite possibly my favorite holiday. New beginnings, fresh starts, new goals, clean slate. There is such promise, and I get so energized by it.

Also ^^this gif ^^ makes me so happy because I am over the moon about her engagement to Prince Harry!

I digress.

So in thinking about the new year, I am going to let you in on one of my resolutions. Why? Because I am hoping some of you will join me!

I am letting myself fully enjoy the holidays… So. Many. Desserts.

But January 1st I am starting Whole30, and this time I am determined to CONQUER!

I know you all are sitting there like:

But I am serious:

This gives us (yes, US) a month to prepare. It’s 30 days, WE CAN DO IT!

Also the Whole30 creator is coming out with a new book this coming Tuesday, it is a daily companion for the 30 days… Perfect timing!

Click here to see the book.

So, who’s with me? Who wants to jumpstart your health in 2018? It’ll be like a hard-reset for our bodies, and I am reeeeeeallllly looking forward to it!

Thursday Things: A Silent Retreat.

SHHHHHHH!

So this weekend I am going on a silent retreat.

I am excited.

And I am nervous.

We are talking (I mean NOT talking) Friday evening until Sunday afternoon with ZERO WORDS. I haven’t heard (or not heard) silence in:

4 years, 2 months and 3 days (when Ashton was born).

I am excited to heal, hear from God and rest, but I am nervous I will accidentally say something or laugh out loud.

I can’t wait to spend the weekend journaling and praying. Lots of emotions going into the weekend, and I will probably have lots of words to share afterwards.

Whatever this weekend brings, I’m sure it will be fabulous!