Lifestyle

An Unrushed Christmas… Peace Be Still

December 16, 2018December 16, 2018 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

As Christmas approaches it seems we have to go faster and faster!

The traffic keeps getting worse. The lines in the stores keep getting longer. The calendar is full of special events, parties, and gatherings with family and friends.

Programs. Parties. Shopping trips. Baking days. Cookie swaps. Wrapping nights. Office Dinners….the list goes on and on.

The song says that we are Dreaming of a white Christmas. But in reality, most of us are dreaming of something else entirely… a Silent Night!

Our calendars become overloaded and we become overwhelmed. Instead of enjoying the spiritual significance of the season, we find ourselves just trying to get through the rush. We rush here, hurry there…

At every turn, there are people to see, things to do, stuff to buy. The hustle and bustle of this happiest time of the year can take the holly-jolly right out of our holidays and replace it with a go go go splitting headache instead.

In Luke 2 we meet a group of shepherds that were “on the clock” working in the fields. Suddenly when an ensemble of angels told them that Christ had been born they immediately left their work and went to find Jesus. Luke 2:16 says “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

Maybe we should do the same today. In the middle of our holiday rush and hurry and hustle and bustle, we should stop and leave our work to go find Jesus. We should slow down long enough to hurry in another direction… towards Jesus. We could be calm, quiet, and settled in Jesus’ presence.

As a result, we might discover an unrushed unhurried holiday: a season that will strengthen us spiritually instead of draining all our joy and energy.

How can we be unrushed during such a rushed and busy time of year?

In Matthew 11: 28-30 Jesus asks us to be unhurried with him.

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

In Mark 4:9 and Matthew 11:15 He tells us to slow down and listen… Whoever has ears to hear, listen…“And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

In Matthew 6:27 He tells us to calm down our thoughts… “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

In Mark 4:39 he tells us Peace! Be still…”And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

In Luke 10 He tells us to stop our busy work to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His words…Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

The Lord Jesus lived by his own teaching: he was never in a hurry except to go the cross and die for us! Mark 10:32 and Luke 19:28 tell us that When His Father said it was time he turned and headed straight for Jerusalem, leading his disciples with great resolve.

If we stay yoked to Christ then our only hurry will be to listen to God and obey him

We all want to be unrushed and enjoy the holidays in God’s presence. How can we do this?

“Abide” in God’s blessing by repeating Jesus’ words, “Peace… Be still…”

Pray “Peace Be still” over your calendar.

Pray “Peace Be still” over something you’re stressed about.

Pray “Peace Be still” for a loved one.

Pray “Peace Be still” over situations that you feel rushed.

Pray “Peace Be still” in your life and in your heart.

The parties and wrapping and baking can wait while we stop hurrying to be present with the One whom the holiday is really about.

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Lifestyle

Counting Every Blessing

November 18, 2018November 18, 2018 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. Every year during the month of November I try to be even more focused on being grateful. Gratitude really does turn what we have into enough.

Whenever I find my attitude is sour, if I instead focus on the good and all the blessings that I have, I find that my outlook and attitude changes. I’ve been blessed beyond all measure!

I found myself humming this song and wanted to share its great message.

Counting Every Blessing

Rend Collective

Songwriters: Gareth Gilkeson / Chris Llewellyn / Bridget Herron / Ali Gilkeson / Will Herron / Steve Mitchell / Patrick Thompson

Ooh, ooh

I was blind, now I’m seeing in color
I was dead, now I’m living forever
I had failed, but you were my redeemer
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure

I was lost, now I’m found by the father
I’ve been changed from a ruin to treasure
I’ve been given a hope and a future
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure

I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see

I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season you are good to me

Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me

You were there in the valley of shadows
You were there in the depth of my sorrows
You’re my strength, my hope for tomorrow

I’ve been blessed beyond all measure

I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see

I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season you are good to me

Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me

Surely your goodness pursues me
Surely your heart is still for me
I will remember your mercies all my days
Through every storm and gale

I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season you are good to me
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing

Letting go and trusting when I cannot see

I am counting every blessing, I’m counting every blessing
Surely every season you are good to me

Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me

For your goodness, I will ever praise you

Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
Sing it out now
Oh, you are good to me
In my hurting
Oh, you are good to me

I’ll sing it loud
Oh, you are good to me
Even in the dark

Oh, you are good to me
Lift your voices
Oh, you are good to me
All the time
Oh, you are good to me

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Lifestyle

Is Her Gain Your Loss?

November 10, 2018November 10, 2018 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:15

I mentioned in posts recently that I have been teaching a Bible study at my church from the book by Nicki Koziarz Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind.

Spending time preparing for the study, as well as spending time with the ladies that attend the study has made a big impact on my life!

This book has so many great truths in it. One of the truths that Nicki shares is “Her Gain Is Not Your Loss”

“Pride convinces us that if someone else wins, we somehow lose. But God wants us to know that if “she” wins we all win. HIs promises are for everyone, helping us all work together for a greater purpose. A greater purpose than what we could do alone. Pride tells us God NEEDS us, being promise-filled reminds us that God WANTS us.

The more we know others are with us, the more confident we can be in ourselves. That is how we can start to see…
Her gain is MY gain.
Her loss is MY loss.
Her win is MY win.
Her sorrow is MY sorrow

A confident trust in God’s promises will give us perspective to see that if others win, it does not cause us to lose.
When God reveals something to us, it releases a responsibility within us to do something.”

Excerpt from Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind by Nicki Koziarz

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:15

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Lifestyle

Losing Who You Are Trying To Become Someone You Aren’t

November 3, 2018November 3, 2018 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

In measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding.
2 Corinthians 10:12

I mentioned in a post recently that I have been teaching a Bible study at my church using the book by Nicki Koziarz Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind.

Spending time preparing for the study, as well as spending time with the ladies that attend the study has made a big impact on my life! This book has so many great truths in it. One of the first truths that Nicki shares is “You Need to Be Honest”. Here are a few highlights that made an impression on me.

“Honesty teaches us to stop fearing what we don’t have so we can see what we do.

We often lose who we are while trying to become someone we aren’t.

Honesty can lead us to quiet places where we seek to understand rather than merely react.

You most likely won’t be broadcasting your biggest comparison struggles on Facebook tomorrow. But we all have a place—a place that frequently makes us see ourselves as less-than in comparison to someone else. A place where we feel the most intimidated, perhaps a place that goes back to something deeply rooted in our lives. Something rarely shared because we love to shout our successes but seldom show our secret sorrows.
But the more honest we can become about these areas that threaten our souls the most, the sooner we’ll feel empowered enough to escape this comparison chase. So let’s start by being honest right here, starting with the one verse that uncovered this whole struggle in me. Honesty through the filter of God’s Word brings an understanding that goes beyond our capacity.” WhyHer Nicki Koziarz | lookingjoligood.blog

Excerpt from Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind by Nicki Koziarz

2 Corinthians 10:12
In measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding.

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Lifestyle

Love Never Fails

October 31, 2018October 27, 2018 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1 Corinthians 13:1‭-‬8

Lifestyle

Turning Off the Noise and Getting Quiet

October 27, 2018 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood1 Comment

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalms 46:10

Since around this time last year, I have been teaching a Bible study at my church. It is one of my favorite things to do to serve in my church. Spending time preparing for the study, as well as spending time with the ladies that attend the study has made a big impact on my life!

The last few months we have been doing our study from the book by Nicki Koziarz Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind. This book has so many great truths in it. I have learned so much in preparing for the study each week. I love it when God uses different ways to give us just what we need to hear.

“I’m amazed at how much our culture resists quiet. Most of our days are spent managing noise—noise from others, noise from our technology, noise from our inner thoughts.

Sometimes it feels like there’s so much going on in my head that I can’t even hear myself think, let alone hear God. When it seems like God is quiet, we need to get quiet.

When my soul is giving me a clue that it’s not well, even just getting quiet and still for a few moments helps me recognize where I’m struggling.

When it seems like God is quiet, we need to get quiet.”

Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Excerpt from Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind by Nicki Koziarz

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Lifestyle

What Are Our Bodies Made For?

October 6, 2018 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I love this Facebook post I read by Proverbs 31 Ministries.

You can check out the original post by clicking HERE.

“Do you ever find yourself in a group of women talking about their bodies? Everyone begins sharing what they don’t love or want to change, and it quickly becomes an overwhelming conversation of stirred up negativity.

In moments when we are tempted to feed the temptation to focus on what we don’t like about ourselves, we must remind our minds of truth about the bodies God gave us.

Our bodies are made in the Image of God. (Genesis 1:27)
Our bodies were made to be a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1)
Our bodies were made for worship. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Our bodies were not made for the approval of man, but for the glorification of God.

Has this ever been an area in your life that you have struggled with, or may be struggling with now? We would love to pray for you!”

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Lifestyle

Thy Will by Hillary Scott

September 23, 2018September 1, 2018 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I love the word to the song The Will by Hillary Scott! One of my favorite lines is “It’s hard to count it all joy distracted by the noise”

Too often I let the noise of what is happening around me take away my joy.

Thy Will by Hillary Scott

I’m so confused
I know I heard you loud and clear
So I’ll follow through
Somehow I ended up here

I don’t wanna think
I may never understand
That my broken heart is a part of your plan
When I try to pray
All I got is hurt
And these four words
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done

I know you’re good
But this don’t feel good right now
And I know you think
Of things I could never think about

It’s hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense of all your promises
Sometimes I gotta stop
Remember that you’re God
And I am not

I would love for you to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Lifestyle

A Seemingly Perfect Life

September 19, 2018September 1, 2018 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood3 Comments

I say it all the time, social media is only the very best snapshots of the life we want to show the world. Don’t wish for someone else’s seemingly perfect life. We all have fears and tears and struggles. Be an encouragement to someone today, you never know what might be happening behind the filter.

I read this post on Facebook by a page I follow called Encouragement from Women Who Have Been There.

I have been encouraged by several of the posts that I have read there. This one in particular from Becki Rogers founder of Not Quite SuperMoms was especially interesting to me.

Biblical Abigail in a Modern-Day Setting

“If you read 1 Samuel 25, you’ll meet a lady who seems like a superwoman.
Humor me while I describe Abigail in a modern setting: she’s got a college education. Her hair is perfectly styled and her roots never show. She’s fit, hitting the home gym every morning without fail. Her Bible is well-worn, and her prayer journal is opened daily. Her home is decorated like the pages of a magazine, and her weekly shopping trips include stops at all the best boutiques. Her personal cook and housekeeper adore her, and her Instagram account has 450k followers. You might know her. Or, you might follow her Instagram account. You might secretly wish you could be her. I can’t blame you. I would want to be her too! But beyond those pristine photo filters, her marriage is a mess. Her husband is a drunken, incorrigible man, and she silently wipes tears as she fixes his messes. She is a peacemaker on his behalf, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders day after day.

I know, I know. The Bible doesn’t say all that about Abigail, but it DOES say that she was wise, and peacekeeping, and wealthy (at least, her husband was). It also mentions that she was pretty. In today’s world, she could have been everything described above.

However, her home life was miserable, to put it mildly. The Bible describes Nabal, her husband, as a cruel and brutal man in all his dealings. And yet, despite being married to such a man, she didn’t waver in her faithfulness to her loathsome husband.

The story takes an unexpected turn when the future king, David, came along. Her husband was rude to David and his men, and David planned retaliation. Abigail secretly defied her husband and humbly approached David with food and an offer of peace, taking the blame for her husband. Sadly, she’d probably had to do this many times before.

Instagram filters can hide a host of heartache. Don’t assume another mom isn’t struggling just because her social media looks good.

I love how Abigail wisely approaches David —first with food, and then with reason. There’s very little that a good meal can’t pacify! In addition to the food offering, she humbly suggested to David that to avenge himself by killing her husband (as well as their entire household—including Abigail herself) would not be in his best interests. She de-escalated the situation by appealing to his conscience: she reminded him of who he was—the Lord’s soldier, fighting His battles. She gently suggested that he would later regret having this bloodshed on his hands, and she prophesied that all of his enemies would be as cursed as her husband was. Talk about a crisis negotiator! I need some of that wisdom in refereeing my kids’ bickering!

***(Challenge)
The bottom line is, I don’t have a clue what struggles you’re facing based on your social media posts. I can imagine that those pretty filters hide a lot of tears. You don’t know what another mom is facing either. Don’t wish for her life, no matter how good it looks. Instead, we need to pray for each other. Call a friend today and ask if there’s anything you can pray about. It may look like she’s got it all together, but she may be silently begging God for a friend. Be that one. And if you’re the one struggling behind closed doors, reach out. Ask your Father to bring you a trusted confidant who may be able to give you wise, godly counsel.”

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Lifestyle

Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Lord, Unto Me

September 16, 2018September 1, 2018 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

This morning I was listening to this song He’s Always Been Faithful by Sara Groves. I want to share it with all of you.

No matter what is happening around me, no matter how I act or react, He’s always been faithful to me…

I can’t remember a trial or a pain He did not recycle to bring me gain!

He’s Always Been Faithful by Sara Groves

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine
Season by season I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me.
I can’t remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can’t remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me.
This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful, He’s always been faithful
He’s always been faithful to me.

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Looking Joli Good

Kindness is beautiful!

Category: Lifestyle

An Unrushed Christmas… Peace Be Still