We celebrate our birthdays as being another year older, and we are, since our last birthday. In reality, we're only one day older than the day before, and there's a lot of hype around that number.
My oldest son told me yesterday that I was three years away from really old. Clearly, he can say that he's only 29, but boy does he have a lot to experience and learn. 
   When you're young, everyone who's older than you by 10 or more years seems really old. I can remember considering 30 old, and then I turned 30. It wasn't a fun week leading up to that birthday, but the day I turned 30 wasn't a big deal. I had hyped it up to the point of feeling physically sick, and then it happened and all the world didn't collapse. 
   After 30 I really didn't think much about my age. When I turned 40 I celebrated. I embraced 40 with open arms. It seemed like a badge of honor more than anything. I didn't have grandbabies yet, but I was only a couple of years away from that milestone at that point. I had my last baby right before I turned 40, so I guess I felt kind of young in away. 

   Seven years later I look at my life and I'm kind of wondering how I got from there to here. I'm 3 years from 50 and I don't feel a day over 35. I know I'm a grandma, and my oldest son is going to hit the BIG 3-0 next year, but it just all seems so impossible. Surely I couldn't really be middle-aged already? It just kind of all sneaks up on you and before you know it you are your grandparents' age. 
   Our lives are but a vapor in the wind. Life passes away quickly, and when we find ourselves at the end of our lives, what will it all be for? I pray you were living for Jesus because then it actually will have meant something. It will mean something to those you leave behind, and it will mean you'll spend your eternity in heaven. That's a big deal folks!

You see, eternity isn't short, it's forever. Literally, it never ends, and that is hard to wrap our minds around, and still, it's so. Every soul that was ever created will spend their eternity somewhere, and they get to choose. Where do you choose? 
   I know I'm preaching, and I'm sorry for those who don't like it, but it needs to be said. There were many years of my life I was running from the Lord and living for Satan (even if I didn't realize that part until later.) Those wasted years sometimes haunt me, oh but God. He has reminded me more than a few times that even in my messed up past, He has a purpose, He created purpose and He's continuing to work it together for my good and the good of those who love Him.

    Y'all life is crazy. One minute your floating along all fine and dandy, and the next you can find yourself in the middle of some chaos you not only wasn't looking for but you definitely don't want! That's how this world works. The circumstances we are often thrown into can be earth-shattering, and really shake you up, but that's not the only thing that can shake you up. 
   What if you're on a path you recognize, you enjoy, you might even love. You have a plan in front of you and you're staying on track, but suddenly something happens. Maybe your actions or even your inaction cause it inadvertently, or maybe someone else is to blame. No matter the reason, you find yourself suddenly in unfamiliar and perhaps uncomfortable territory, so what do you do? What do YOU do?

   This has happened to me more times than I'd care to say, and when the waters get rough, and you don't know where to turn, I sure hope you're turning to the only one who can straighten it all out for you. His name is Jesus. 
  If you're feeling lost, deserted, looking for answers and nowhere to turn to, girl, don't you know it's always been Him? It's always gonna be Him. He has all the answers; He is standing in the gap for you. When the whole world falls apart, and you can't get your footing. I'm talking about when you've been swept off your feet, but not in a good way, call His name. Weep at His feet, listen to His voice, let Him lead you, allow Him to comfort you and don't you dare look away. Don't look to the left or the right, but look straight on at Jesus and REMAIN in Him because that's what's gonna get you through as a victor on the other side of your problems. That's what's going to change everything for you in your circumstance. 

    John 15:7 tells us "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." This doesn't mean God is like our personal genie, granting us wishes, it means if you eat, breathe and sleep the word. If you love Jesus, you follow Him and you OBEY Him, when a time of crisis comes calling (and it will) He is going to be there to pull you out of the miry clay. He will not fail, He will not falter. No matter what you're going through, He already knows, He has all the answers and He cares for you. ​

   Look around y'all. I'm sure you know someone, or you are someone that has had a marriage that is falling apart. I've been that person. I've been the person with a marriage that was shaky from day one, and I hadn't a clue how to fix it. I see it all the time, young folks getting married, no plan, no foundation, no clue. Young people (and old) just signing on the dotted line, the two becoming one, but in name only. They're not following the Lord they're following a path to destruction.
   How do we teach people that marriage is life-long, and there is no out? How can we give the young a better understanding of Christ's idea of marriage? First and foremost we need to model what a Christ-like marriage looks like, but let's back up for a moment. How do we, ourselves get to a place of a Christ-like marriage? For some of us, myself included, we find Jesus, he changes our lives and we begin to seek His will in our lives, in every way, and that leads to Christ dictating things in our marriage, and not the world. 

   When Christ is dictating your life, and your marriage, you might not have a perfect marriage, (okay, actually you're not going to have a perfect marriage, so there's that part.) You will, however, have a marriage that you won't want an escape from, a partner that is your best friend, and you'll both be closer to each other and the Lord. 
   You see y'all, putting Jesus first is paramount. It's the utmost important thing in your life for your whole life. Your eternity henges on it, and so does your marriage. I'm going to say something that's not going to get many praises. If you're living with someone, you shouldn't be, and you shouldn't marry them until you've lived apart for a substantial time, gotten your life in line with scripture, accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and had extensive pre-marital counseling, both alone and with your significant other. If you want a marriage that not only survives but thrives, these things are a MUST. If you don't do it, you're literally rolling the dice and betting on a future that is as unstable as the foundation it's built on.

   I pray this is an encouragement to you today as I encourage you to seek the Lord in all things, but especially your relationships. The world doesn't have a good marital track record, don't let the world dictate your marriage. Don't fall victim to Satan and his lies. His mission is to kill, steal, and destroy. He loves tearing marriages apart, and he'll tear yours apart, just like he tore mine apart before I knew Jesus. Put on the full armor of God and protect your marriage and your life from the evil one. Teach your children what a strong relationship with Jesus is and what a good marriage looks like, because of Him. Doing that will have generational impact for years to come. 

   Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today, and if you enjoyed it, or if it touched you, please leave a comment, send me a message, share this or give it a like. Your feedback is most appreciated. I also want to encourage you today, if you're struggling in your marriage reach out to us. My husband and I would be happy to speak to you regarding Jesus, and how He can change your marriage and your life. 
   Until we talk again, I am praying for you!

XOXO
​Jen

     Y'all we're living in a world where stuff matters, and when I say stuff matters, I mean, people care a whole heck of a lot what car their driving, what house they're living in, what name brand tag is on the clothing they're wearing, and some people care about what you're wearing too. How many of y'all know I ain't got time for all that mess? Well, I don't. There might have been a time that I did care, but that time has come and gone a long time ago; here's why guys.

     Y'all, when I'm worried about what someone else has, and what I don't have I'm not doing any good to anyone, especially myself. Satan wants us to envy others and what they have, but all that does is give us horrible feelings, it ends friendships and it doesn't put us any closer to happiness. Happiness doesn't come from things, if it did, we'd live in a much happier world. If we aren't content with the things we already have, what makes us think having more or having something better will make that happen for us? That's just foolishness, still, we live in a world where people strive to "keep up with the Jone's", and they do it in high style and big fashion. All that "stuff" is nothing but a big distraction from the Lord. Satan knows that which is why everywhere you look distractions abound, and temptation lingers. This sinful world is full of all the stuff that looks shiny, and pretty and amazing until you find yourself wrapped up in it so deep you can't find your way out. He'll present a whole lot of "squirrels" in your path that's for sure. So how do we stay focused on the important things, and how do we maintain distance from distractions in this world? 

     When the distractions don't entice you, and you're not following others, you might not be the most popular kid on the block, that's true. John 15:19 tells us: 19 "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." We are further told in Romans 12:2 not to conform to the world. If you don't do what they're doing, they're gonna hate you. You won't be in that "in" crowd, and we are often convinced we must be in that crowd.
     You see folks, God knew all that would be out there for Satan to use to tempt us. Just as Satan tried even to tempt Jesus, he will try to tempt you. He will look at your desires, then present you with something nearly irresistible. He knows what your shortcomings are, and this is why I implore you to keep your fence mended and keep your eyes on Jesus and off of all the distractions of this world. It's not things that matter, it's people, it's not how much money is in your bank account, or what neighborhood you live in, it's what's in your heart, and how you live your life. If Jesus is in your heart, and you're living life for Him, He's got you! Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. 
     Don't get wrapped up in keeping up with other people. Don't live your life to please others, and don't ever believe that THINGS can fill the emptiness you feel inside. Only Jesus fills that hole, I promise you that. So if you're feeling empty today, less than, and second best, and you have been trying to keep up with the Jones' for the longest time and you're exhausted; rest. He will hold you and all you have to do is be. Redirect your energy to the one who holds the stars, and the one who will hold and carry you. Don't let Satan distract you with shiny objects anymore. Hang onto the hem of His garment, and don't let go!
​​

     I hope this was an encouragement to you today. No matter where you're at in life, no matter what season you're walking through, stop looking left and looking right, keep your eyes on Jesus, and off of the many distractions and live a life of purpose for the King of Kings. We are in the world, but we aren't supposed to be of the world. Don't fill your mind, your heart and your life with things, fill yourself with JESUS.
     Until we talk again, have a wonderful day and if you enjoyed this please "spread the charm" to your friends. A like or a comment is always welcome too! 

XOXO
​Jen

    Life moves fast. Sometimes it just seems like you can't catch your breath! I can't believe it's already April. Where has a third of this year gone? Time passes so quickly! I have often said, when you're a momma, the days are long, but the years are short. I think during this time of craziness in our world, where most of us are stuck in our homes, those days seem so long, but the reality is, time is slipping away from us. I'm here today to tell you to make the most of every moment with your babies, with your grandbabies, with your spouse, and all the people you love.

   Currently, I have four of my seven children still living under my roof, but I also have three who have grown up and moved on with their lives. They all live at least 1,000 miles away from me, and two of them have children, which means I have grandbabies far away. I don't want to miss all the things with them, and so Facetime has become my friend more than ever. With my kids at home, well we are getting on each other's nerves just a little at this point, so I'm struggling in some ways. It's not that I'm not used to my kids being home, I homeschool, so of course I'm used to it. I'm just not used to my kids not getting out of this house for weeks at a time. We typically go to lots of places, and that has come to a standstill. 
   Even with all the chaos and with our schedules being so out of wack, I am trying to embrace every moment. I'm trying to play with them more, listen to them more, and celebrate them more. I'll admit, it's been a tough go of things the past few days, but today I think we made progress at turning the corner to less stress and more joy. With birthdays falling right in the center of all that's going on, we had one this week and another next week. I cannot lose my focus on them, their education, the time I spend with them beyond school, and what it all means for the future. 
   I've read more than a few times that people should start looking at this "lockdown" scenario as a chance to spend time with the people they love, and it is, but shouldn't we already be doing that? I think we've come to live in a society that is always on the go, and it affects us, our relationships and how our children learn and grow. Many times parents would rather throw a two dollar toy at their kid than spend quality time with them enjoying something together. 
   I refuse to be the parent who misses this boat, and who doesn't understand the importance of our children and the future. I refuse to be the person who got it all wrong because I thought I had it all right. I don't have anything right until I have it on good authority from Jesus. That's why every day right now, as always, but even more so, I'm praying and asking God to guide my steps and show me things through His vision. 

   Moms, grandmas, your kids, and grandkids are important. They're looking up to you. They're wanting attention from you, and you need to be there to give it to them. Not because you have to, or even because you should, but because you love them and you know what hinges on your role in their lives. 
     Grab parenting by the horns and hug your kids. Let them sleep in some, and let them stay up late a little, and when they do, spend that time with them. Play cowboys and Indians, jump on the trampoline, read a book to them, they'll love it! Go on a bike ride, let them help you plant or cook or sew. Whatever you do, just spend time with them. Time spent with children is never unimportant, unappreciated, or uneventful. We are here to guide and lead, make them put down the electronics, (and put down yours too) and have a blast with those little ones you adore so much.
   Whether you're a mom or a grandma, I know you love them so very much. Don't let this moment in time pass you by, but instead do all the things you wish someone had done with you. Love them, and give them the very best gift, your time. 

     Until we talk tomorrow, enjoy your babies and grandbabies, and smile, you're pretty awesome! Thanks for liking and spreading the charm. Be sure to leave me a message and tell me if you needed to hear this today.

XOXO
Jen 

   There's not much I consider a lost cause. I can upcycle almost anything. From an old chicken coop to wall art, to dressers and dollar tree finds, it's my mission to make it better, newer, more beautiful and lovely. We live in a society where things are so disposable, and I really just dislike that so much. I hate being wasteful, and so I try not to be. 

     My thoughts on this subject may come from a place of not having. As a young adult, I remember struggling to have the necessities, and so every little thing became a treasure to me. I was always so thankful for whatever I had, and I didn't want to waste, in fact, I wanted to make whatever I had the best it could be. So when I did a dumpster dive in college and found an old dresser, I was so excited. It was what is called a "gentleman's dresser" from many years ago. Someone had just dumped it a long side the dumpster, and I snatched that thing right up! I loved that dresser so much, but eventually, I did sell it before moving to Florida. I loved that dresser and used it for almost 20 years though. Someone else's trash became my treasure and over the years so many times that has been the case. 

   Today it's not for a lack of money that I will take trash and make it a treasure, it's out of my desire to create and not be wasteful. We were recently given an old chicken coop by friends. They had also been given this coop, and when it started to break down from wood rot, they decided it wasn't worth fixing, and so they offered it to us if we wanted to fix it. I jumped at the opportunity, and so we took it, and my husband has nearly completely rescued it. We're just needing to put roofing on the new roof he put on it, and it will get some paint, and we'll have another coop that cost little, and will be an awesome addition for our girls. I do that a lot. I take what others didn't see potential in, or what they didn't want to mess with, and I create something amazing. I am thankful to God for the gift of seeing more than what's on the surface. Some people just don't have vision for that.
     When I bought my first home many years ago it was the same thing. I wanted a five-bedroom home, but I didn't have the money to buy one. I was living in Indiana at the time, and there are basements there (you know, those things that are non-existent in Florida). I looked at so many homes, and then I found the one I ended up buying. It had three bedrooms, but it had a full, dry, clean basement and I saw the potential for a family room, and two more bedrooms, and we made it happen once we bought the home. I was able to get a five-bedroom home out of a three-bedroom home and at the cost of the smaller home as well. That's not me, that's God's vision. The vision He has granted me to see things for more than they are. To see them for what they can be. I am so grateful.

   Even when it comes to us, God doesn't see us for what we are, He sees us for what we can be. He knows we can be so much more, and He longs to take us to that place. Even after He saves you, there is much work to be done. I am a work in progress because God sees so much more in me than is visible on the surface, and He sees what I can be if I'm following Him and in His will. It's the place I long most to be. 
  When you pray today, thank God for always seeing the best in you, and for guiding you to be that better person. He makes us beautiful, He makes us everything we are not without Him. He's no respecter of persons, He'll do it for every one of us. So I encourage you today...see the beauty in all things, if you're a crafter, or an upcycler, (or if you want to be) look at things with new eyes, and salvage what others think has no value, but also know that God is doing that in you, and in me, and be thankful for it today.
Until we talk again, thanks for taking time out of your day to read my blog, and if you're not following That Farm Charm on Social Media, I encourage you to do so. We're on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. If you wouldn't mind sharing this blog ("spreading the charm") that would be so appreciated. Also, leave me a comment below, I love getting comments! You can also give it a "like" if you liked it! God bless you and yours! 

XOXO
Jen

   I woke up this morning and spent some time with Jesus, then I went live and did a devotional with y'all. Thanks to those who joined me. While I was on the live, I was using my phone as the camera, and so constantly looking at myself. How many of y'all know that can be a hard thing to do. Looking at yourself and giving yourself words of affirmation is even harder. When I look at myself sometimes I don't see what I want to see, and then there are moments like today.

   One of the hardest things for some when they become a Christian is to distinguish between that mandate to "love thy neighbor" and "liking" people. I'll be honest when I was a young Christian I had some real difficulty with understanding if I was "doing it right". Falling in love with Jesus, for me, didn't automatically mean I fell in love with everyone else. I did start to love people in the way Jesus did, praying for their salvation, and witnessing to them about the Gospel, but there were still people that I just didn't care for. These people weren't large in number, but if I'm being honest, it was a few. I fundamentally loved them. I didn't, however, want to be friends with them, or even particularly like them. This gave me great guilt. I struggled almost daily with not liking some people. Over time, and through prayer with the Lord, I realized this was the enemy in disguise. He was using my own humanity against me. 

Y'all, I don't want to get into a theological debate here because that's not what this post is about, it's really just about guilt and how Satan uses guilt to control us. If he can keep your mind busy with worry, shame, and guilt, he can effectively take you out of play and make you ineffective in the kingdom. He clearly knows what he's doing, how to do it, and he does it well. Protection from that can only come from one place, Jesus Christ. Because we know that Jesus is the word, being in our bibles is the protection we need from Satan's trickery.
   When you have guilt, that is not a feeling of God. God doesn't guilt you, He doesn't have to. The Holy Spirit will convict you if you're in the wrong, and if you're praying regularly, you'll feel and understand conviction right away, but there's more to it and we need to understand that.
     Guilt is not from the Holy Spirit, but from Satan. Because guilt and conviction often seem so similar, Satan relies on our own confusion and uncertainty to tear us away from Christ and separate ourselves from His love. Satan is hoping we will embrace guilt, regret, and shame. He wants our emotions to take control so that we are paying more attention to them than we are to the truth of God. If we start listening to emotions and not the truth of God we may feel we are no good, and that we will do the same thing again and nobody is going to forgive us for our mistakes.
   Guilt says we are responsible for saving ourselves, and that because we can’t do it, we have no hope. Grace says Jesus has done all that we cannot, and that He is the salvation and hope for all.​

     Conviction is something actually very different. John 16:8 says, “And when the Holy Spirit comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” Conviction is a two-stage process: The Holy Spirit shows you your sin, and He shows you how to turn from it and walk instead in righteousness. No one likes to be reminded of how imperfect they are, so conviction isn't pleasant, but the more we see how undeserving we are, the more grateful we are to our Savior for loving us anyway. So conviction, as unpleasant as it is, is a healthy step to grow closer to God.
     The Holy Spirit exposes sin in our lives, not to guilt or shame us, but to change us. You can, therefore, be assured that if you're feeling guilt over sinful behavior, that is not of God, but of Satan. Shame says that because I am flawed, I am unacceptable. Grace says that though I am flawed, I am loved. Don't feel guilty for things you've done, instead repent and find healing and forgiveness in Jesus. ​
   It's been a few years y'all. I'm a Christian on a much deeper level than I was a decade ago. I have come a long way, and I love all people, but in fact, there are moments when I meet someone and we just don't jive. It doesn't mean I don't love them with the love of the Lord, it means, we aren't very compatible, and they're not my favorite. In fact, they're not close to my favorite, and I may really not care for them one bit, however it doesn't keep me from loving them, praying for them, and being kind to them. It also no longer guilts me to feel this way because I have exposed the enemy and his plan through scripture and prayer. 

   Have y'all ever had a dream, but sat on it out of fear or a reluctance to go against the grain? Although I've always been willing to be different, because Oh boy am I different, I wasn't always willing to follow my dream. I think every boy and girl has a dream when they're little, and sometimes they're lucky enough to have parents or someone else who fosters that dream. Sometimes that dream really is out of touch with reality, and then other times its actually God-driven. What's the litmus test that tells us which it is? I would say does your dream glorify God? If it does, then you're probably on the right track.
   Every since I was a little girl I've had a dream y'all. My dream was to be an encourager. I suppose the fact that I didn't have a lot of encouragement as a child made me want to be that for others. I  have always been a positive soul, and always had a call of God on my life, even before I realized it. Looking back I sure wish I had recognized it sooner, because He has always been chasing me. He instilled this dream in my very being, but even though I had this dream, I had zero clue how to accomplish that. Did I have ideas? Of course, I did, but did I get off track? Of course, I did! 

   My young self, who didn't know Jesus and had no clue about life, took off into adulthood by jumping in feet first and making life a whole lot of complication for myself. I had babies young, didn't have any real plan for a career, and just forget about following that dream, or listening to God. I couldn't even hear God at that point in my life, and still, there was a nudge that would not stop pulling at my heartstrings for more. I knew I had so much to share, and I also knew God had given me an incredible gift of words and writing, but did I put two and two together to come up with four, of course I didn't, well, not for many years.
   You see, I'm creative. I create, it's what I do. I'm an artist, a writer, a photographer, a designer, I love to create things and I'm not bad at doing it. That's been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but when you're trying to fill a void in your soul because you don't know Jesus, it's all in vain. That was me for so many years and then about a decade ago that all changed and I met Jesus. I'd love to say that coming to Jesus moment completely transformed my life and set me on the path to His great destination for me, but I'd be lying. Yes, some people have that kind of God experience when they get saved and radically change and transform in literally moments, but that was not me. I did change of course, but the kind of transformation I'm talking about didn't happen overnight. Maybe God just knew how stubborn I am, or maybe I was just being stubborn, either way, it took me a bit to figure out what God was saying to me, how He was guiding me and where He was directing me. ​

  After some tug of war with Jesus, and trying to do things myself, I finally submitted to His will and started to do things His way. Just living my life, the way He designed me to be, and not taking one minute for granted. Shining His light for all to see and sharing the love of Jesus with them, and letting Him use it all for His glory. That's how "That Farm Charm" was born. Now it was actually "born" long before it was born on social media. It's been being birthed for about three years now, but by listening to Him, He has allowed me to take the things I love to the next level and touch lives through creation, but mostly because of and all for Jesus. 
   So if you were wondering, who is this girl, where did she come from, and what is this Farm Charm all about? Well, now you know a little piece of what makes me tick, why I do what I do, and how this all came to be. It's all for the Glory of God. He's in charge of this dog and pony show. When I die, I pray it's not me that is remembered, but Him and how He changed me. I am honored to get on here every day and share my life, my vision, and my Lord and Savior. I pray that along the way something I say, do, create or share will be an encouragement to someone. I know that it's all about Jesus, and I just wanna share Him with the world. 
   Welcome to "That Farm Charm". I pray I've been an encouragement to you. Chase your dreams, but don't do it for yourself, do it for Jesus. When you're in His will, and you're asking His direction He will never steer you wrong. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! I know it because the bible tells me so! (Philippians 4:13). 
   Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for taking the time out of your day to read what I have to say. This place is  a little piece of the internet that belongs to Jesus, he just put me in charge for awhile. If you enjoyed this blog, please "spread the charm" to your friends by sharing it, and give me a like or leave me a comment below. 

Until tomorrow!
XOXO
Jen 

​   I saw a meme online today and it brought me into a state of great emotion. The meme read, "God will put you back together right in front of the people who broke you." Wow, now that's a statement right there isn't it? 
   How many of you have been hurt in your life? Raise your hand, and stand up if you need to. You know, just like I know that's all of us. Every single person has been hurt by someone. Why is that do you suppose? It's because we live in a sinful world, and people will always fail you, even the best person, with the best intentions, will fail at some point in their lives. Though we may be good-intentioned, and looking to do good in this world, we will never be 100% perfect because we're people, and though we have a perfect example of how to be in Jesus, all of us thus far have failed to emulate that completely. Though men will fail you, God never will, but that's not a lot of comfort to most people when someone does something to them that destroys their heart and maybe even their mind.