the embracing chaos blog

Choosing the Good Portion Series - Part 3
Nicole Jacobsmeyer Nicole Jacobsmeyer

Choosing the Good Portion Series - Part 3

We know the grass is greener where we water it, especially spiritually. But are we modeling that in our own lives? Are we so focused on all of the activities our culture tells us to do that we’re neglecting the most important thing? What character traits do we need to be a Mary who sits at the Lord’s feet and listens to His words when the world around her is focused on the things of this world?

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Choosing the Good Portion Series - Part 2
Nicole Jacobsmeyer Nicole Jacobsmeyer

Choosing the Good Portion Series - Part 2

I looked at life through the lens of numbers and achievements, speaking events, book sales and social media engagement, all while knowing deep in my soul that none of that truly matters and isn’t even up to me. I thought if I did a, b and c, then x, y and z would happen. As if I held my life in my own hands and if I did all the things, then all the blessings would follow. But I knew better. Instead of “must respond as soon as possible” being the resounding drum in my head, it slowly switched to “you can’t save anyone.” Ouch.

Humility comes when you understand all of your trying is entirely dependent upon the Lord’s will and that man can never undo or thwart God’s intended purposes. I began to feel a peace that I didn’t know could come from surrendering. I was lighter. Not that I didn’t care anymore, but I finally saw that it wasn’t my responsibility to do everything and be everything to everyone.

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Choosing the Good Portion Series - Part 1
Nicole Jacobsmeyer Nicole Jacobsmeyer

Choosing the Good Portion Series - Part 1

Choosing the good portion. - But then, the hope follows for us. Because we know that as Christians, we don’t walk through trials and suffering for nothing….but that God will use it for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28) and that He will also produce in us character, endurance and hope because of what we face (Romans 5:3-5). We have great hope since we serve the only One who can use all the awful things we go through to develop us and make us more like Christ.

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Best of 2020

Best of 2020

I understand that life is filled with both the glorious snippets and devastating circumstances sprinkled throughout a calendar year. But I challenge you to look back and find the GOOD of what God did each month. Maybe it was that you had some time to yourself to really invest in your passions. Or maybe you had a really bad month but it was the same month that you caught up with a lifelong friend over Zoom. Maybe you bonded with your kids or had a baby in the midst of COVID. Whatever the case, I want to end 2020 with a heart of thankfulness and always see what God did rather than what I think was missing.

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Family Vacation During Covid
family, kids, Travel family, kids, Travel

Family Vacation During Covid

Crown Reef Resort is not only a beachfront hotel but also a waterpark that is extremely kid-friendly. Wesley really loved going on the two big waterslides with Andrew while the younger boys enjoyed playing in a splash pad-like area. They also have a large pool, multiple hot tubs (something our boys love), and even a lazy river! The best part was that we never had to wait in line for anything!

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