I don’t have any internet.
I don’t even have my computer.
So I don’t have a way to blog really easily.
I don’t even know how or when or if I’m going to blog about this next phase in our lives.
So I guess it’s good that for tonight…I don’t.
I just don’t.
I am praying for you and your family.
Hey, Jennifer! I am a new follower on your blog. I have spent many hours going WAY far back in your posts.
I wanted to tell you that you REALLY inspire me! It inspires me to see your love for your kids and husband, it inspires me to read and try your recipes and Ideas, it inspires me to keep blogging, it inspires me to see your love for trust in the Lord, and it really inspires me when I see post like this that remind me that we all struggle. So… Thank you.
I am praying for you… really!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Jennifer, I know your pain!!!!!! The God that you serve will never leave you or forsake. He is your strong tower. Nothing catches Him off guard. Stay strong in your faith and continue to look up. Your help comes from the Lord. Praying for you and your children as you start on a different journey. Praying for your husband also as he seeks to find the right answers and to know what God wants for him.
Please consider what you say about Israel and how you say it. Does he not want to be with the children anymore or does he not want to be with you? I can’t imagine him abandoning the children and that is how I am reading what you wrote. It is important to say only good things about him in front of your children right now. I hope you aren’t blaming him. It takes two to make a marriage work and it takes 2 to make a marriage fail. The children are innocent victims and deserve a good relationship with both parents. There are worse things than a failing marriage. Your kids are healthy. You and Israel are healthy. You have job skills and previous work experience. In a few years you might look back and this this was a good thing for your entire family. I do not advocate nor am I advocating divorce. I hope you two can work it out. Please don’t burn bridges by making him sound like the bad guy and putting yourself as a victim. You are very capable. You don’t need him. The kids DO need him. So treat him well or at least bite your tongue before you blame him for the current situation.
No blame. Only love for him. He is making choices right now. I can’t control him. But I will love, support, honor, be honest about and speak truthfully and respectfully about him, when I do speak of him, to the best of my human ability.
I for one did not read anything negative in what Jen wrote in her post. I would recommend everyone be as supportive and non-judgemental regarding what Jen and the family are going through.
Agreed! This is a time to support a fellow sister in Christ. We are all human. Fallen. Sinners. SAVED by God’s AMAZING and FREE GRACE!!!!! We are called to love one another and lift another up when they are down. If you are unable to do this during this time then please don’t bother with reading Jen’s blog. She does not need it.
And Mckmamma77 I pray for grace, strength, peace, comfort and joy to be yours. You speak beautifully about your family and life. I hate that you have to deal with the haughtiness in others that always seems to want to control you and call you the bad guy. You are a faithful woman, and a woman of faith. This shines through daily when we visit with you. I was married for 30 years, and my husband decided he wanted a divorce. It turned my life upside down. But like you I know the One Who always holds us in His hands, and He is showing me mountaintops now. He will comfort you and love on you and your family through all of this. I will be praying for this for you all, and so much more…. <3 <3 ! Love and prayers from SC!
Sorry, Jen. Praying for comfort and peace for your family today.
A wise quote… “Everything works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end.”
As a (former) single mom of four, I feel for you very strongly right now and I am praying for you and your little ones that you land in a place of peace as you rebuild.
Love and light to your family through the hard times. It gets better.
Just wanted to let you know I totally respect your privacy, miss your posts like crazy, and am praying for you in every way!!
I am not a regularly commenter, though I read almost daily. I am sorry for whatever struggle you’re facing and was encouraged to see that you have a great real-life support system in place. Lean on those who are the physical hands and feet of Christ to us in our most challenges times.
I hope that all are healthy and well as you continue whatever transitions are before you.
Almost four years ago my world was turned upside down when my husband left me with a newborn, 2 and three year olds. I had to start working full-time and our entire lives changeed. Every single thing changed except God who is never-changing. Focus on that which stays the same when it all seems to be different. Hang in there!
Just wanted to tell you that your greatest feeling of resistance will come right before your biggest breakthrough. Keep your head up. You are making a bigger difference in this blog world then you realize. Sometimes posting through our hurts and disappointments is the greatest thing to give people to let them see that even though there are hard times you still choose to get up again.
No matter what you are facing today know–God is ABLE–God is WILLING–God is PRESENT–
Love you and will be praying for you and your amazing family!
xoxo
Still praying for you daily, several times a day. You are on my heart and mind all the time.
My vote, not you’re asking for votes, is to keep this one private for as long as you need to. I’ve already seen one voice of criticism about you sharing too much, which I don’t think you have, and I think you’ve got enough on your plate already. Sharing too much could open a whole other can of worms that you don’t need to deal with right now.
From what I can tell, you have a great family and great friends. Lean on them for a while, and the bloggy stuff can wait.
Love you, friend!
Jennifer my heart aches for you and the family. I hate to see you or anyone struggle but at the same time I am praising the Lord for what is ahead for you all. Remember to thank Him for the bad times too. Yes, it IS all happening for a reason and although things seem insurmountable right now, there is something beautiful for you on the horizon. “In You, O Lord, I do put my trust.” Psalm 31:1 “From of old no one has heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who works and shows Himself active on behalf of him who earnestly waits for Him” Isaiah 64:4 Time spent waiting on God is never wasted! “He changes the times and the seasons” Daniel 2:21 Listen to God’s voice, pray His prayers rather than yours and when you don’t have the strength let Him pray the perfect prayers for you.
God Bless!
Stay positive. It will all work out
when life knocks you to your knees you are in the perfect position to pray. <3
praying for you. of course we are all curious and worried about you and your family but I know that you are in Gods hands and understand your right and decision to not blog about it. (as most of us who blog, do pick and choose what we want to share) What I love about the blogging world is that we are able to connect with many we would have never met otherwise, and we can see that we are not along in our feelings and what goes on in our lives. but we can also uplife each other in prayer. I blogged about this (and you, jennifer) recently. hugs to you!
Praying for you. It does make us all really wonder when you post like that! But know you have support even when you can’t share details. Love you.
Oh sweet lady. I’m so sorry to hear about new struggles for you and your amazing family. Although I have no idea what they are, I’m praying for strength, wisdom, and perseverance for all of you. Hang in there and know there are prayers and hugs being sent your way from Texas!
Praying for you and your family. Listen to the still, small voice that caused you to write “I don’t even know how or when or if I’m going to blog about this next phase in our lives.” That voice is telling you something important and it will tell you the answer to that statement.
When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on tight. Holding on to Jesus is even better.
God bless
Love you, friend.
“If God brought you to it, He will bring you through it!”
Sending lots of loving thoughts and prayers your way. Remember that you do not have to share anything you do not want to share-it is your life and your personal business. Have Faith. Be Strong. Don’t Give Up.
Praying for peace in your hearts, today and always.
You might like to read Psalm 46 – hope it is something for you to cling to during this time!
His mercies are new every morning! Don’t blog if you don’t feel like it. You are going to come out of this an even stronger woman than you already are! I have faith for you and in you!
I heard the best Children’s Sermon on Sunday and I hope it helps you, too.
“When you’re exhausted and tired and ready to quit and just can’t take another step ….
the only thing you can do is take one more step.”
You can do one more step.
Praying for you!
Praying for peace and strength for you and your family. I hope you are ok.
Jennifer, I am continuing to pray for you!
I do feel badly about all that is going on in your life right now and I am praying for you, Israel and your children. I would keep this one private Jennifer.
Jennifer,
I will continue to lift your family up in prayer. God knows the season that you and your family are in and the struggles that you all are facing. May He be with you all and guide you through.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 {nlt}
O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62 {nlt}
Thinking of and praying for your family.
~Laura~
Cling to Yahweh, I Am, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Let me cheer you on by reminding you of His faithfulness to all generations. Which includes your family. I continue to pray for creative, amazing miracles for you and your family.
you already know what i think. and i will forever support you and be a sounding board when needed!
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs from NC))))))))))))))))))))))))
You can do hard.
You’ve proved that many times over.
You are getting through this.
even. if. it’s. one. tiny. step. at. a. time.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((More hugs from NC.)))))))))))))))))))))
Sending best wishes from South Africa! Things will get better – I keep telling myself the same thing, and I know they will – eventually!
As people have told me in the last few days and weeks, everything happens for a reason. Yes, I know it’s a cliche, but it’s true. Prayers and positive thoughts for your family.
Just thinkin of you xxxx
Praying…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding – Proverbs 3:5
I just wanted you to know that maybe it is better for you to work on what is going on in your life right now instead of worrying about your blog. I know that your friends including me will be here waiting. I think the people who follow your blog truly care about you, as I do. I pray that everything will be ok. I hope that soon you will feel the peace that only HE can give you
You have a lot of people praying for you!!!
Take care Jen and Love to you and your family.
The last couple of years I have been experiencing the darkest season of my life. One of the most uplifting things for me has been knowing that others are praying for me. So, I just wanted to let you know that you are in my prayers. God has a plan for you that is more beautiful than anything you could have imagined, and this season will be over soon.
I keep checking several times a day to see if you’ve updated on what’s going on (not that you are at all obliged to!)….I am so sorry for this difficult time you are going through. I hope that your family is all together, and that you are all healthy, at least! Praying for peace and wisdom and protection for you.
Jennifer, I wanted to add that if you need anything please please just let me know. I talked to my husband, and he said I can wire you some emergency funds if needed. My heart breaks to think of those five precious babes needing anything. I know it’s very cold where you live, and we would be happy to arrange a hotel stay for you and those sweet babes. My husband said he will be lighting a candle for you at church in the morning. We both just prayed over your situation. God WILL bless you. Remember, you are never alone.
Don’t loose any sleep over her situation. I have read her blog for years and she has a loving sister and mom and dad. Her husband also has a mother who could help. I iam sure her new small group or her small group last year could help. Her husband also is very capable to help. Remember last year when he was Mr. Mom he will not let those kids suffer one bit. They will just take another adventure. I also think JM is going to Africa soon so he will be in charge anyway. I am sure there are people in your own community that could use your generous offer of help.
That is just rude. One day it may be you needing help in a bad situation! I just found out I have breast cancer and I am heading to my first surgeon visit in a few mins. I may be in need one day of some help and would hate to know that someone like you thought I didn’t need it. Glad I don’t have to rely on you. I pray for your soul!
Praying for you, Kaye.
thank you!
So true!
Two words come to mind…compassion and grace. You never know when you will suddenly be hit with trouble and need those two things from others, even strangers..compassion and grace.
Amen! That is a very kind gester of the family to offer to someone in their time of need. When YOU were hunger I GAVE you food. When YOU were THIRSTY I GAVE you a drink. Whatever you do, do for the least of these you do for ME!
Praying. God is faithful. He will get you through this as He has gotten you through so much. Hang on to all that matters. Love you, my unmet friend.
PS… Things look worse at night.
“Things look worse at night”….SO, so true. That was a reminder I needed in my own life right now…thank you
.
Thanks, Heidi. And of course you’re welcome. Isn’t our God amazing? He uses what the comfort He’s given us to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1), even when it wasn’t the person we knew needed comforting. Praying for you today.
Jennifer, may you feel your sisters in Christ carrying you right now. I have been a single mom for fourteen years, was in an abusive marriage and finally got out. My situation is different than yours, but, I just know what it is like to have little ones that count on you and it is a struggle to keep it all together. No one could really say anything that made it better. Just knowing that people were praying was good enough. You know what though? I learned through those lonely long years Whose I was. I wasn’t someone’s wife, I wasn’t just my children’s mother, I was a child of the KIng. It took me 35 years to grasp and really understand that. I matter to Him. He thinks I am beautiful. He knew me before I was born. May you remember during these times that Jesus Christ longs for you to know your value and your value is not a blog, or a house, or even your children, your value is in Him.
Jennifer, please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I hope it’s not your kidney giving you problems again.
I am praying you are not in the hospital now (since you said you have no compouter now) , and will not need surgery again. May God will bless with you with everything you deserve. Hang in there sweet mama. xo
Praying for you MckMama. Wishing you all of God’s peace in your life right now.
First you are a daughter of a king,second a mother,then a wife , sister, relative, a friend ……at last a blogger . Your real fans can wait. Take the time to make a better you, to work on you, your kids and your marriage. Family should work together as a team and privacy is the best way to handle.Everything should be between you, God and your Family. Fight for your life, love, family and marriage with integrity.
such a smart comment!
That definitely was the best comment ever!
Exactly what I would’ve said…if only I had the right words! Jennifer, your true friends, fans and family will love, support, encourage and pray for you…in good times and in bad! If you need to take a blog break to take care of your life, family and marriage…do it! We’ll still be here waiting…no questions asked!! Love, hugs and continued prayers!!! {{{HUGS}}}
Even though not in the same boat as you, in my own boat, in troubled waters. Gotta have faith that it will work out… without it, we have nothing. Sending positive vibes your way…. and reconfirming peace and love to you and your family during these trying times. <3
Praying for peace and love in your storm.
Praying.
Do whatever you need to do to just get through a day at a time. I’m praying for you.
I wanted to let you know that I have been and will continue to pray for you. It is hard when we realize that all the people around us, even with the ones with smiling faces, are struggling. Struggling with hard things. I know I am. Please be comforted that there are a lot of people praying for you, and that you are a beloved daughter of the King. You are loved, and precious. God Bless you and your family.
Yikes! I can’t wait to find out what’s going on. And let me just tell you, I can’t imagine not checking in on your blog every day or two. It’s such a part of my day. I hope you will continue to write.
I wish you nothing but the best and strength to get through what is going on. You and the kids are in my thoughts. If here is anything we can do, please let us know.
I am really sorry my comment seems overdramatic, but honestly, is everything okay? Honestly, I am a bit worried. What happened to your internet and what happened to your computer? Are you in the hospital again? I will be saying a prayer for you, but a post like this is completely out of character for you so I really hope everything is okay.
Have you been reading mckmamas Facebook page? It is not really so out of character.
No, I am not a member of facebook. But Mckmama is always upbeat and positive in her posting and has always been inspirational to me with the way that she handles all of her 5 children and all of the challenges, especially Stellan’s illness. Jennifer, I have been praying for you. I logged onto this blog this morning and while I don’t see you have posted again, I am seeing some vague comments in the comment section and I feel really sad for you – it seems like you are going through a really, really tough time. I will be praying.
Praying for you. I miss hearing about your days. You are a very inspiring and encouraging person and I know God is using you to bless so many people. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.
Praying for you and your family. Let go and Let God!
Jennifer, my heart aches for you. I don’t know what you all are going through but it sounds very difficult and stressful. Don’t worry about us, we’ll be here when things get better for you. Take all the time you need to get things taken care of. I wish I could give you a big motherly hug.
Praying…
Wishing you peace and strength, whatever your storm may be.
Hey…thinking of you and sending prayers, good thoughts and hugs you way. Take Care!
Hang in there. Just remember to keep breathing. You got this.
Also, of course don’t share anything you are not comfortable with on the internet… But I would encourage you to reach out and share with someone. Don’t isolate yourself and feel like you have to go through all of this is, whatever it may be, alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if and when you need it.
Yes, I have great support right now in my real life among friends and family. I am SO thankful. Thanks, friend.
That’s great. Lean on them and enjoy those beautiful babies of yours, and before you know it, you’ll be on the other end of your troubles. Sometimes all we can do is take one day at a time, and that’s okay.