Square Sequins

All my life I've been in awe at how beautiful certain things appear to be.  I took great pride in keeping the shine to the first pair of patent leather Mary Janes I wore as a little girl. 

I'm still attracted to shiny things today.

Sequins happen to be one of those things that attract me. They sparkle when the light hits them just right; they can make a girl feel like the princess at a ball.  

Every sequin I had ever seen had been round or molded from an initially round form so I assumed all sequins must be round to shine like they were created to. 

I was wrong...and not just about the shape of sequins.

The emotion that ran through me the day David and I walked into the boutique to look at dresses for Ashley to wear to the cotillion could be described in one word: giddy. 

I was absolutely thrilled for her.  

As we walked in, one dress stood out among the rest.  It was silver and covered in sequins.  That's probably why it jumped out at me. It was stunning. 

I didn't notice there was anything different about it until I got home.  The dress was indeed unique. The sequins were SQUARE. What! Square sequins?

Once Ashley saw it, she loved it.  She had no idea that the shiny "things" were even called sequins much less that they were supposed to be round or square.  She tried it on, it fit perfectly, she looked beautiful and most importantly, she felt beautiful. 

As I watched her have the time her life that evening I realized, her dress, in a way, was just like her. It was designed exactly like its creator planned. It may have gotten a snag or fray once it left the creator's hands but it was still wonderfully and beautifully made. 

After all, who says sequins have to be a certain shape, size, color or style?

~Paper Plate Prayer~

Dear Lord,

Thank you for loving us for what is on the inside: for knowing our heart.  I pray that the world becomes more like you every day.  In the meantime, thank you for creating such special angels that are like you. Individuals that do see past the outside and love what's on the inside because their heart is so full of love.

     ~Amen

Thankful for differences,

Jennifer

Psalm 139:13-16

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 

Fully Loaded

When I went to bed last night I realized I only had one more blank paper plate left in my stack! Oh no! That can't happen.  I know what you are probably thinking.  In this day and age, why not just do everything on a computer or tablet.  It's just not the same!  I have to use a paper plate! It has a purpose! A divine purpose!  I knew I needed to make a run to Sam's (for the best deal) as soon as I dropped the kids off at school. Luckily, I was able to run in, get fully loaded on plates plus I ran into a dear friend so I got a refill on friendship while I was there too! That's always a blessing!
Last night I decided to spend some time reading through some of the plates in my collection.  Some are prayers.  Some are more like journal entries.  Oh, how I wish I would have kept the ones from thirty years ago when I first started writing down my prayers and thoughts to God.
Now, I like to make notes and write down how God has answered specific prayers and thank him for each one.  I ran across this request in particular.  It is from over a year ago when a friend asked for prayers but did not tell me what was going on her life until weeks maybe months later. Now, I can thank God with such a peaceful heart knowing what a wonderful plan he had.  I knew he had a great plan but I never could have imagined it was grand!  I plan on keeping my plates for many years to come.  I can't wait to look back on them and continue to add prayers and blessings to them. God hears them!

~Paper Plate Prayer~
Dear Lord,
I pray that we are never too busy to actually stop what we are doing long enough to literally pray for one another, to realize when a prayer has been answered and to acknowledge that answered prayer by thanking you wholeheartedly.  With that said Lord, I thank you for listening to our prayers and for answering our prayers in your perfect time according to your perfect will.

     ~Amen

Armed and Faithful,
Jennifer

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

I'm Listening

The last week I've been doing a lot of listening.  I've listened to David, I've listened to the kids, I've listened to sermons on the radio, television, church and most importantly I've listened to God.  I've listened to God a lot.  

Right now I'm listening to God through the sound of the keyboard and the paint sprayer which is not a coincidence I'm sure because two of the things I've been hearing this week have to do with writing another book (hence the keyboard) and getting the house ready to sell (hence the paint sprayer).  

David has been working himself sick, literally, getting the house painted and fixed up so we can put it on the market.  I haven't been able to physically help due to my back so I've been praying for guidance. I'm so anxious of making a mistake or taking off in the wrong direction with my book that I'm stagnant. Once again, God answered my prayer in his perfect timing this evening when I opened my bible with his comforting words of wisdom.  

The very first thing I read was in Philippians 4:4-7.  Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again. Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  

~Paper Plate Prayer~

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your never ending love and for your beautifully made plans.  I pray for all of those who are anxious and trying to do things on their own and forgetting to not only ask for your lead but to wait for your "go".   We seek wisdom from you that only you can give us Lord.

It is in your name we pray Lord.

     ~Amen

Open ears, 

Jennifer

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Unconditional Love

Ok, so I’m an addict.  I admit it.  My name is Jennifer Taylor and before I get out of bed every morning I don’t check the weather, I don’t check the time, I check Facebook.  Go ahead.  Judge.  I know its coming.  

In my defense, it helps me know who and what to pray for at the start of each new day along with many others things.  ;-)

The very first thing I saw during my morning ritual was a post from a friend’s son.  I wanted to reach out to him and remind him that Jesus loves him no matter what others say to him or about him.  

God created that beautiful smile and gorgeous face for a reason and use it to please God NOT others!  

I wanted to remind him that once saved always saved and it’s not a Christian’s job to place judgment. 

We should all love unconditionally just like Jesus loves us.  

Each one of us will have our chance to stand in front of God. 

It is important in life to know where you stand in your faith, why you stand there and who you are in your faith so that you can share your faith with others. 

People and outside influences will try to steer you in different directions but as long as you are confident in who you are and why you are there then stand firm! People will see that confidence and trust you.  

Don’t waste time trying to be someone or something you aren’t.  It’s simple, just like wearing a pair of shoes.  Why wear a gorgeous pair of stylish heels if they kill your feet just to look good and impress others if you are in a bad mood because you are uncomfortable? Why not wear a comfortable, favorite pair of shoes and be in a fabulous mood! 

I guarantee your mood will be contagious in either scenario.


~Paper Plate Prayer~
Dear Lord, 
I pray for all those feeling unloved, unwanted and judged today.  Hug them.  Send them a message... a reminder that they are loved unconditionally and made perfect in your wonder and grace.  You are their savior.  May they turn to you, find strength in you and build their faith upon you alone Lord.  
     ~Amen

Unconditionally Yours,

Jennifer

Psalm 86

Hear, O Lord, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy.

Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.

You are my God; save your servant

who trusts in you.

Have mercy on me, O Lord,

for I call to you all day long.

Bring joy to your servant,

for to you, O Lord,

I lift up my soul.

You are forgiving and good, O Lord,

abounding in love to all who call to you,

hear my prayer, O Lord;

listen to my cry for mercy.

In the day of my trouble I will call to you,

for you will answer me.

Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;

no deeds compare to yours.

All the nations you have made

will come and worship before you, O Lord;

they will bring glory to your name.

For you are great and do marvelous deeds;

you alone are God.

Teach me your way, O Lord,

and I will walk in your truth;

give me an undivided heart,

that I may fear your name.

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;

I will glorify your name forever.

For great is your love toward me,

you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.

The arrogant are attacking me, O God;

a band of ruthless men seeks my life-

men without regard for you.

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,

slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Turn to me and have mercy on me;

grant your strength to your servant

and save the son of your maidservant.

Give me a sign of your goodness,

that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,

for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Celebrating Firsts and Lasts

The last couple of months, we have celebrated many milestones in our family.  Some may seem small to many but huge to us.  Some may seem unobtainable to others but I promise you they are very achievable.
Just yesterday, we had a "Graduation from Therapy Party for my son, Grant.  Grant is 10 years old. Eight years ago, he was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.  We began therapy right away knowing that with the right services he would thrive.
I never felt led to pray for a "cure" for something that did not need to be "cured." I am certain God did not make a mistake when he made Grant.  It is up to me to help bring out all of Grant's gifts that God instilled in him and nurture those gifts to fruition.

I challenge every parent whether a parent to a special needs child or not to focus on their child's strengths not their weaknesses.  Focus on the gifts that God has given them.  Remind them that the gift is from God.  Build their faith daily. (and yours)  Treat each day as if it were the first day of your salvation.  Be thankful, be bold, be kind, be giving, be tender, be loving, be Christ-centered, be an example to your child and to others.
Build your Paper Plate Prayer collection, put it under your pillow, under your bed, in your drawer or on your wall. Then be prayerful!
My Paper Plate Prayer collection started when I was 10 years old.  At that time, I kept it a secret.  I would hide them under my dresser and not tell anyone I was doing it.  I watched God answer those tough prayers and knew he was watching over me in a tough situation.
Later I prayed for a blonde, blue-eyed little girl.  God answered that prayer over a decade later!
Each one of my children have already started their own collection.  It is a journal to keep and cherish. We decorate them, share them, hide them....they are our pride and joy.  It is amazing to go through them at the dinner table and watch the children's expression when they realize which ones God has specifically answered.

I pray they become sacred in your home as well.

~Paper Plate Prayer~
Dear Lord,
Thank you.  Thank you for answered prayers.  I humbly cherish them both big and small.
     ~Amen

May God Be The Glory,
Jennifer

1 Thessalonians 1-3  To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:  Grace and peace to you.  We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.  We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.