Sunday, September 16, 2007

Will the “Real” Survivors Please Stand Up


I watched a program which showed how there are refugees from Africa that are in need of help. I began to reflect on the turmoil the people from Africa have suffered over the years. I began to wonder are the people surviving. Yet, I read information on the internet which shows the total population of Africa is estimated to be at 888 million people. The population is growing rapidly and some project it to grow to 1 Billion by 2015.

Over the years, many in the population have survived famine, droughts, wars, Aids and corrupt governments. Yet, the people on that continent continue to grow.

I began to wonder whether I could overcome such obstacles and continue to grow in my life. Sometimes, the things that I face in my everyday life weary me. However, when I think about how I overcome life’s challenges, I remember that I don’t go through trials and tribulations by myself. When I face obstacles, I remind myself of Romans 8:31-37,

31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

I can overcome all things reminding myself that I am more than a conqueror. I am a survivor.

Remain overcomers by trusting in God.

God Bless Everyone,

Jenean
Designs by Jenean

Sunday, September 9, 2007

A Time for Sharing and Caring

A Time for Sharing and Caring

Time seems to get away from us because we are so busy. When we wake up in the morning we have a list a mile long of things that need to be accomplished that day. We can stay so busy with the things on the list that we may not take time to consider what’s going on with others outside of the things on the list.

I received a little tap on the shoulder the other day while surfing on Etsy forums. Etsy has teamed up with Rape Response Services, http://www.raperesponseservices.org, to raise awareness and money for an important cause. Here are a few facts from the website.

* Anyone can be a victim of sexual violence. Age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and size do not matter. Victims come from all different backgrounds.
* Most often, sexual violence happens between people who know each other. The perpetrator may be a friend, family member, spouse, or dating partner.
* Both men and women can be raped. No one ever asks for or deserves to be raped.
* Rape is not an act of overwhelming love or passion; it is an act of VIOLENCE. Rape is a crime that is punishable by law.
* A large number of sexual assaults involve the use of alcohol or other drugs.
* Incest is the most common form of sexual violence.
* Alcohol, drugs, manipulation, and/or coercion are used more often than physical force in order to get a victim to comply.
* You have the right to work and/or go to school in an environment free from sexual harassment. Your employer or school can be held liable for failing to take appropriate steps to ensure this.
* Victims are not chosen because of their age, the way they look, or what they wear. They are chosen because of their perceived vulnerability or the perpetrator’s opportunity.
* Rape is the most under-reported violent crime in the United States.
Visit the site for more information.

Designs by Jenean is donating a portion of the proceeds of the sale of two watches to a great cause through Hope and Healing. To find all the listings from other members on Etsy, search for the term/tag hopeandhealing.








It’s time to share and care.







God Bless Everyone

Jenean
http://www.designsbyjenean.etsy.com

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Pearl of Great Price, Giving it All You've Got.




Matthew 13:45-46

Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls. Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

What have you been putting the most value on? Have you place the most value on material things, such as your house, car, clothes, etc. or have you placed the most value on your family, friends and health? If you hav to choose one and give up the others in exchange, I have a feeling that the things that money the things that initially cost you a lot of money would not be the things chosen. What’s more valuable in the world are the things that didn’t cost you anything to obtain.

I have been dealing with a health challenge for the past few months and the support I have received from family and friends has been invaluable. All of my material possessions pale in comparison to the love and support I have received from family and friends.

Are you giving attention to what you value the most? Take time to appreciate what you value the most.

God Bless Everyone,

Jenean
http://designsbyjenean.etsy.com