Breathing Room For The Soul

How can I do less than give my best? When Jesus gave His all! May this prayer encourage and strengthen you to go and share the Gospel in His name however He wants YOU to share Him . . . we go, because He came!

Because You Came –

  Hope rises out of hopelessness

     Fallen humanity can know restoration

        We can bring our needs to the One True

      Holy God and call Him Father.

    Our unworthiness is swallowed up in the worthiness of You.

You make us Holy.

Because You Came –

   Life results after death

       Joy within all earthly sorrow

         Peace within our pain

       In the middle of our “lostness” You find us

   You take our shame, our guilt

Forgive our sin.

Because You Came –

   And gave Your all for me

      My heart bursts with love

        And gratefulness flows from my heart

    Expressed in worship, awe, love, & praise!

  No longer am I worthless – You have bought me

I am Yours!

Because You Came –

   With brokenness, I humbly give myself,

      My life, my all to You

        “Live through me” becomes the passion of

      My heart cry, my soul

   Because You came

I gladly Go!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

We love y’all!! Thanks for following along with us on our journey!!

This field of sunflowers is real! We were driving in SD & kept passing them. Aren’t they dreamy?

Hey Friends!!

It’s been a minute since we’ve gotten to chat! How are things with you? I’ve got my coffee & am ready for whatever the day may bring! Heres the latest on me…

Yesterday I shopped in the nations favorite blue & grey store as I talked with someone on the phone. I’m really not very good at talking while trying to shop. I either neglect what I am doing & walk around the store for 30 minutes looking for bananas or I neglect the phone call & end up saying things like “really, interesting, thats neat” over & over. So I tried to stay connected to both things this time & even told the person on the phone I might have to pause our conversation at points to look at my list. I seemed to be doing fine, I had stayed somewhat connected to the conversation & the cart, while checking off my list until…I attempted to grab a 28 count of water bottles with one hand while still keeping the conversation going. (it didn’t work) Lol I dropped it into the cart and it quickly hit the eggs which broke & left me with a splattered foot & eggshells. Yepp, multi-tasking gone wrong, right? I got off the phone, exchanged the messy eggs for new & finished the shopping before I called her back.

Y’all, this is the lesson of my life right here. Learning to focus on one thing instead of many at one time. I think it actually takes more time to multitask more often than not. (at least in my case)

Things usually take a little more time than we’ve expected and sometimes the outcomes can’t reach our highest expectations. There is one thing though that I never see change or disappoint. Thats the mercy, compassions & faithfulness of God. I have never left a quite time and thought (Well, this time I didn’t feel God’s faithfulness). It not only never happened but its not even possible.

In Lamentations 3 it will tell you all about it! Go here to read it and I would encourage you to compare versions because I love how the message puts these verses. My favorite line in these verses is when it talks of how His compassions are new every morning. We all need a clean slate, a stain free beginning as the sun makes its first appearance in the morning. With it’s debut comes new mercy, new compassion, new faithfulness and this girl is so giddy about that.

Just a lil sidenote: God knew I needed a sunset that evening & I believe He painted this just for me!

Striving to live a life that will bring God glory & thankful that the sun rises every day,

xx, Elena

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Hi friends,

Its been a while since we’ve talked. Hope you are doing well and hopefully you are somewhere warm enjoying some spring weather. What a year for the weather! We arrived back home at the beginning of this month (we escape every year to the south to miss the snow) but we were still greeted with the worlds prettiest and wet white stuff. I find myself relating to the weather this year. While waiting on the cherry blossoms to bloom and the sun to appear for good, I’m in another waiting season. Waiting on so many things that God has promised, things I expected to be hear by now and I find myself wondering if I’ll always be right here in this season. If I will always claim the promises but not see them. (just calling it like It seems y’all)

My soul rests in the truth though even when my human heart is restless. You see, in my soul I know. I know that His ways are higher and only He can see the bigger picture. I know that He wants for me, his beloved, the best of all and maybe that can only come through waiting. Maybe I couldn’t appreciate the blessings if they showed up when I demanded.

We traveled from January- March through many beautiful states and all of them had flowers. Then we came home to brown brown and more brown. We got the taste of it all, but then it disappeared as we got into the northern states, and as lovely as it was, its so good to be home. Safe and sound, a place I know.

Just like my physical home, God is becoming home to my soul.

I know Him and even if I never saw anything He promised, I’m home when I’m in His arms. There is a sweetness in knowing the truth, even when you are not seeing the beauty of blessing. Yes, there is beauty in the waiting but only if you are content not seeing it but feeling it. I feel it Jesus, with you there is a beauty more precious than anything.

You are my hiding place; you shall preserve me from trouble; you shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

I love to compare versions when reading the Bible, above is NKJV, I love how The Message translates it though. It says “God, you are my island hideaway”. Every time I have visited an island there are amazing flowers and a peace that resonates within the first steps of being there, so in my mind I’m seeing this incredible view when I picture

this line of the verse.  What a picture right? He is the beauty but to understand it we must be content with Him-Just him.

In Him there is beauty that we can be content in while waiting on the beauty of the promises promised.

I’m really hoping that what I’m learning is translating through the screen here. It’s kind of mind blowing.  (We’re talking about walking through the grey waiting time with Jesus and hoping to see some blooms promised like we do with spring.) I know that this subject can be very cliche and spoken about often. Reading this can seem to be old news but from someone walking through it, it’s the opposite of old. It’s a fresh understanding of who God is and where I stand with Him. Who I am and how He loves me and wants only the good. I can’t put into words how amazing it feels to have someone walk with me and also be my steady place. His love is never a cliche, never an old news story because its new everyday.

Love always,

Elena

P.S. (OUR CHERRY BLOSSOM JUST BLOOMED!!!! Be looking for pictures on our instagram!!)

A blank, white sheet of paper. A wonderful smelling, clean kitchen. A smiling bride dressed in lovely white. Beauty.

Beauty is all around us. Our Creator made it so. Yet, nothing is as beautiful as WHO our God, the Creator of all, really IS! Our God is love. He is good. He is kind. He is just. He is faithful. Yet, there is an attribute of our God that sets Him apart from all created beings. It is His Holiness. “And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.’” Isaiah 6:3

No sin, no evil thought to mar the beauty of our God. In majestic, moral purity He stands infinite, defining by His very existence all that is righteous and pure in the universe. Reflecting and praising Him for Who He is this morning, I found myself reveling in the beauty of His purity. It was then the verse from Psalms came back to me. “Worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness.” Psalm 96:9

How beautiful is the Purity, the Sinlessness, the Holiness of our God!!! What a beautiful contrast of hope for hopelessness, light for darkness, purity for impurity! The God Who is Holy commands us to “Be Holy as He is Holy.” “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.” I Peter 1:15-16

And, He gives us a Way – knowing the impossibility of us to be Holy on our own. Our righteousness is as filthy rags. “Christ in you – the hope of glory.” “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 “Be filled with the Spirit.” “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18

We are made holy by His Holiness living in us!!! What a magnificent privilege that we are the Temples in which He dwells! The Temple of the Holy Spirit! “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 He is able to keep us from falling! “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 He imparts His purity to us, by living in us.

Oh, Lord! How I praise You for your righteousness! My heart, my life, my entire being is open to You. Live in me, dwell in me, make me holy as You are holy, that I may truly walk in the Truth and Light of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By. Janene/FGG

Happy Valentines Day! We’ve made it to February 14th in 2018 and I’m just hopping on here to wish you the best one yet! Maybe some of y’all are thinking “OK, this girl has some nerve.” and wishing you could stay asleep for the next 48 hours of heart-shaped cookies and cheesy hallmarks. I know it can all be a lot and when you’re not exactly in a relationship it’s easy to become a little hardened to the holiday. I know a few weeks ago the thought of Valentines hit me like a ton of bricks. Ya know what though? Valentines Day is about celebrating love. Love. It’s not specifically for couples. It can be a love you share with your parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends. Last year my sweet dad surprised me with the flowers and a special Italian dinner. This year I am spending Valentines at home and plan on taking my adorable grandma out for tea. We might even get crazy and wear big hats and order extra scones.

I totally understand the stereotypes that come with this day but don’t give them a second thought. Don’t wish for something to happen before it’s time. God has you. His timing is perfect and His promises are faithful. In Song of Solomon 8 verse 4B it gives us some wisdom in this area. It says “don’t excite love, don’t stir it up, until the time is ripe–and you’re ready.” God knows when the perfect moment is for the perfect moment, if you know what i mean. Those thoughts of a fairy tale valentines day can be fun to think about, just don’t let them get past your head. There is no reason to create something that God has intentions to create for you. He is always better with the paint brush.

Maybe you are dating someone right now and you’re thinking “Maybe I don’t need this blog”. Before you hit that X, remember that the most important relationship we can celebrate is our relationship with Jesus Christ. God’s love means more to me than a box of Sherri’s Berrys ever could and so I choose to focus on that. One more thing before we scroll down to the “BEST 5 WAYS”, Our Blog IG is having a VDAY Giveaway. Click the photo to join in the fun!

Ok NOW for the reason your reading this post: 5 Ways To Enjoy Valentines As A SINGLE

1. Determine when you wake up to celebrate LOVE in every way you can. Maybe it will take a little time to call your parents and family, even friends but it will fill your heart with joy as you check each special person off in your life. (you can send txt messages and E-cards, even little gift cards as well)
2. Choose to spend quality time with The One who loved you first. Set aside a good amount of time, make some tea, turn on some worship music, light a candle and just spend time with Jesus. I always feel so refreshed when I take time to do this. (A few weeks ago God gave me a song when i was feeling a little lonely. You can play it here. )
3. Drive to your local florist or grocery and buy your favorite flowers. Then park your car in a downtown area or shopping area and pass out each flower, wishing everyone a Happy Valentines Day. This is called “flower bombing” and it’s quite fun.
4. Call all your best girls and have them over for a Galentines party. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Yall could make triple chocolate ice cream Sundaes and exchange valentines cards like you did in elementary school.
5. The last thing you can do to enjoy this Valentines as a single is to constantly choose joy. Focus on the relationships that you can cultivate and celebrate them. It’s all about LOVE and how better can you celebrate it by showing God’s love to everyone around you? There is no better way in my opinion.
6.  OH 1 More Thing: EAT ALL THE SWEETS and don’t think about it. hehe                                                                                                                                          Much love ,                                                                                                                               Elena

It was cold, it was snowy, and sleet came down next. We made it through the first day, happy to be inside, together, and warm. As evening came closer the lights blinked a little. We wondered . . . For just a moment, but went on with keeping ourselves and our children “entertained.”

Then . . . It happened! We were all gathered in the basement, watching a family movie. Literally, just as it ended, the lights went out! The only heat left came from our wood stove.

Up the stairs we went . . . Searching for light. Candles found, each of us were figuring out what to do about sleeping arrangements. After all, the woodstove is in the basement! It wasn’t long until our youngest boy headed back down the stairs, but he did have a way to see. Quickly his childish voice called to me, “Mommy, I can’t see, bring a candle.” It didn’t take me long to reach him. I certainly identified with his need for light.     .

There’s something comforting about knowing someone empathizes with the need, the circumstance, the pain, the temptation you are facing. Even better when they bring a “light” to our darkness!

When Christ came to this earth He didn’t come in royal robes, and splendor. He didn’t need these to “prove His identity.” He came as King of Kings, but in human form, humbly, as a baby. Here on earth, he was “tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin.” He knew our darkness — yet He brought the Light!

In a fast food restaurant, somewhere along the side of the road, the worker spilled out her hurt to me. She had lost her father . . . would you believe it, the same month, same year I had lost mine? Instantly we identified – even though we were total strangers.

He knows where we are. He has been there – and overcome! He faced the every day life situations. He walked through the valley of suffering. He was tempted by the devil himself. He was falsely accused. He won the battle over sin for us, once and for all. From the womb to the grave He has been there, and HE IS CONQUEROR! The exciting fact is, He wants us to make it! And He’s willing to help us

Within His character is stamped the trait of “omniscience.” Simply put, He is all-knowing. He knows our past, present, and future. None of it surprises or intimidates Him. All of it summed up together is like a grain of sand within His Almighty hand. It is definitely possible for Him to handle. In Job 37, God tells Job to “stand still and consider the wondrous works of God” those “wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge.” Take comfort – He is the God who knows. Take heart – He is the God who will help us overcome – our past, our present, and our future. Look to Him – the God who is all knowing.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

More than a just a few years ago my family piled in a minivan and left the ocean for the mountains. We were going to experience seasons and views we had never encountered before. My nine year old heart was maybe confused but excited at the idea of something new. One of the first things we had to do when we arrived in the star city was to go see the Roanoke Star. Constructed in 1949 and still shinning bright in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I loved it, every time. It was so big, 88.5 feet to be exact and I remember as a little girl just gazing at it like there was no clock to watch.

I am just shy of 22 years now and I still love that old star. On a whim a couple a weeks ago my younger brothers and I along with our grandma decided to make the trip up the mountain to see it before we left for our three month tour. My one brother particularly had not seen it in years and when we arrived the bitter wind caught our excitement off guard. It wasn’t chilly, it was cold. Insanely cold, the kind of coldness that eskimos love but we ventured on. My fingers were numb but my soul could breathe as I exhaled into the Roanoke valley.

I wonder if sometimes we miss out on the blessings God has for us because of the inconvenience to receive them. It was cold, the wind wished to take me hostage and the trek up the mountain was long but it was worth everything. What if I had slipped one foot out the door and said “Aint nobody got time for that” and drove off…I would have missed out on the beauty. There are beautiful things that God wants to give us and they’re beautiful because He gives them. Choose to do the things that seem frustrating or inconvenient if that’s where God is leading you. God also has not only beauty to bless you with but also a view of His goodness for you to see. Half of going to see the star is remembering the view of the valley. It would be silly to make the trip and not see the lights gleam in the dark night. Like the beacons in the dark God wants His goodness to be on display.

What’s holding you back? Fear? The struggle? I encourage you to find out and then hand it to the God of creation. How rich His love is, there is no end.

Psalm 63:3

Because your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise you.

Love always

Elena