Pinterest-ing Pins | Weekly Inspiration and Reflection | 12/10/21

This post does contain a commissioned link. This is required of me for this type of post (and like the Spoonie Gift Guide, July post, Mothers Day post and Fathers Day post). Meaning when you make a purchase from one of my links the company sends me a small commission. These commissions in no way make me a millionaire but every little bit helps with my family’s monthly expenses. Thank you-thank you-thank you for supporting a small business in this capacity, Friends. ♥

Happy first full week of December!

I hope you have been able to find all of the items on your shopping list at fantastic prices!

Every year once Thanksgiving hits the following weeks are a whirlwind and I am scrambling to find gifts. Okay I take that back, I’m not scrambling to find the gifts, I am scrambling to order them so they will arrive on my doorstep in time.

Online shopping has been an incredible asset, in terms of spending and as ease of shopping. I cannot imagine having to go back to the way it was, standing in line at 2am waiting to get the amazing deals for Christmas. The fact that I don’t have to find a parking spot, freeze my face walking in, fight the squeaky-mind-of-its-own cart, be overwhelmed with all of the options on the shelf, stand in line at checkout, make small talk NOR fight the kids over that jumbo-mumbo bag of candy I promised them in 2008 that they never received but only right then remembered….shopping online is the way to go IMO.

Also, if I’m being 100% honest, I dread the holidays.

Yep, I said it.

It seems that most people believe that if you are a Jesus follower that you should be filled with joy at. all. times.

But this isn’t a fair perception nor is it realistic. I mean, Jesus had emotions. He got angry. He felt betrayed. I’m sure he felt confused at times, too.

[ And please understand that I’m not referring to emotions that are a product of an event or big life circumstance. I’m referring to everyday emotions and feelings that can come with living life on this earth. ]

Jesus also felt deep sadness. The shortest verse in the bible is ‘Jesus wept’ (John 11:35).

Emotions are a part of life.

So to those individuals who declare that when believers are feeling an emotion other than joy it means that they aren’t a true Christian or that their faith and prayer life is lacking, I oh so lovingly say check yourself.

Please don’t cast shame on those who are expressing emotions of sadness, hurt, anger and difficulty why not just wrap your arms around them and let them know you care. If that doesn’t feel comfortable for you send them a note with an encouraging word. And if that is still too much then send a note anonymously, do a “random” act of kindness for them or simply have their back in prayer.

God loves each one of us as we are. Where we are. We don’t have to wear a happy mask or pretend all is okay when it’s not happy and not okay.

Whatever you are facing this holiday season don’t lose hope. God is still good. No matter how angry, hurt, confused or unfair your situation He still cares for you. He knows exactly what you are facing and feeling this very moment.

If you’re feeling a little (or a lot) like I do, I SEE YOU. I am (virtually) holding your hand and we will get through this season together. I’m praying for you, Friend. It will get better.

Hugs to you. ♥

XO – JB

JB Photo and Design, LLC | Jenni Blake is based out of Leavenworth County, Kansas but proudly serves the areas of Lawrence KS, Tonganoxie KS, Basehor KS, Eudora KS, Leawood KS, Mcclouth KS, Spring Hill KS, Gardner KS, Eudora KS, Lenexa KS, Olathe KS, Bonner Springs KS, Leavenworth KS, Overland Park KS and surrounding areas.  We love to capture images of seniors, families, children, events, landscape, maternity, and macro. But we also love to bake homemade items with love from our kitchen.

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