What Will Be, Will Be

Howdy strangers. It’s been a while. Remember me? Well…remember my last post? If you don’t, go check it out. I had to re-read it before posting this blog and all I can say is “wow.” I was right on so far. Honestly, I haven’t thought much about what I wrote since I wrote it…but I guess what will be will be. I say this because everything I spoke about in my last post, has been so incredibly on-point with my life as of right now, 19 days later. That’s when you truly know that you hear from God.

That being said…was the easier part.

This part is a bit harder.

I’ve been blogging for a long time. I’ve actually developed some following. It amazes me. Thanks so much for reading what I have to say!

But the truth is, I don’t have much to say right now. God is doing such a quiet, humbling work in my life and I’m currently on a journey that isn’t meant for the public eye. He’s doing things in my heart that can’t be put into words. He’s opening my eyes to things that are meant for me alone to see. He’s opening doors that are marked with a sign “for members only” and the membership price is extremely high and the applications accepted are few.

So what am I trying to say? I’m saying that it’s official. As of right now, this blog is closed. Alive for people to read old posts but for the near future, no new posts will be written and published.

It’s been a fun and amazing journey but it’s just not what I’m supposed to be doing right now with my time. I’m sad and excited but I know that with God – what will be, will be. And things may change..but for now, my online blogging life door has been closed and I’m smiling at the other doors that are opening because of it.

Thanks for all of the love and support and comments and reading! You can still keep up with me on facebook and twitter and gmail and in person and all those other ways if you’re interested. And if not, that’s okay too. I’m believing that God has a plan much bigger than I could ever know.

With love,

Jess/Proverb31girl

Hiatus: over.

Wonder where I’ve been? Well do a search on my blog for “pregnant” and you’ll notice that the posts have stopped June 28, 2010 at 1:20pm little miss Charlotte Grace arrived. I had  a 10 hour labor which I hear is very good for your first child. And since I do have male readers and those not interested in all things girly, I won’t be blogging on my child birth experience. I do, however, love telling people about it – so if you want to know the full play by play or a summary or answers to a few questions – feel free to contact me via email or commenting below and I’l gladly share I will say that it’s an experience I will always cherish because I’m so in love with this little person sitting right in front of me. However, i’m not entirely looking forward to doing the whole labor thing again one day. So I have some fun and exciting things coming up on my blog but until then, here are some pictures of my little girl. From day 1 to day 21:

Charlotte - 1 day old

Maternity Leave

So my maternity leave began yesterday. Chris works from home. This means that the both of us are really just sitting around our 2 bedroom apartment, with our cat, awaiting Charlotte’s arrival. To be honest, the whole situation makes me nervous.

What if my hormones go all crazy and Chris doesn’t know how to handle me?

What if we both want to use the tv at the same time and neither one of us wants to mention it (yes, we have 1 tv)?

What if I’m annoying to be with for this many hours in a row?

What am I supposed to do on maternity leave BEFORE there is a baby to feed, change and take care of?

The questions and curiosities are endless!

So over the past 2 days I’ve mentioned these things to my husband. It’s amazing how great communication can be. I’m assured that my craziness is to be expected and he’ll love me anyway. I can voice if I want to kick him off a video game to use the tv but have also found contentment in using my computer to stream Netflix in the bedroom. We went to Barnes & Noble to buy some books and have enjoyed our new blu ray player. So far, boredom does not exist…just excitement and anxiety as we wait for contractions to be more than 2 hours apart.

So hello maternity leave. Hello sleeping until I feel like getting up, going into town at any time, watching movies during the day and reading books with my cat sleeping on the bed next to me. The nursery is 95% complete, Charlotte’s clothes are clean, hospital bags are packed and the car seat is installed. So what’s next? Chris and I are going on a date tonight. Taking the advice of many, we figure this may be our last time to have a nice night out just the 2 of us for a while.

Any other advice on what I should do during this waiting period? I’ve heard sleep, go on dates, relax and freeze some food…anything else oh wise readers?

Here a Slump, There a Slump, Everywhere a Slump Slump

Catchy and upbeat title for something so negative huh? Well that’s the theme.

I might be writing this blog only for me but I have a feeling it’ll probably help some of you also.

Ever been in a slump? I’m talking a real funk. Nothing medical, just one or two or five of those days where you just don’t seem to want to do anything? Nothing is right. Maybe nothing is even wrong. You’re just down, unhappy, out of it, don’t want to do anything, can’t find a smile and want to spend the whole day in bed, or watching movies or just not speaking with anyone? And when you do talk, all that comes out is complaints, frustrations and maybe even tears. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, congratulations – you can stop reading here. But I think most of us know some form of this feeling.

Personally, I’ve been in a slump for the past 24 hours. It started with a phone call telling me that my doctors appointment had to be pushed back a few hours when I was already on my way there, continued when the doctor informed me that he wants to see me again in 10 days (wait, you mean I won’t be in labor before then? How much longer do I have to be pregnant?!!), and then came to a peak this morning when I realized that I’m in a complete creative funk: blogs not written, cameras with dust on them and poems with no endings. Well hello tears, bad mood & screaming voices in my head. So I did what any normal (ha) person would do. I cried. I sulked. I slept on the couch after getting out of bed for the day. I turned to coffee. I told myself how horrible this day was going to be. And then I looked at the clock and realized that it was awfully early to consider a day ruined. So then I did what any abnormal person would do. I closed my eyes and prayed whatever I could to a God who won’t tell me I’m crazy for feeling this way. I read a devotional about the need for desperate reassurance and meditated on the scriptures “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)” and “Whatever is true…think about such things…And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9). And then I took action. I did the things that I know make me feel better. I wrote in my journal about how blessed I’ve been these past few months. I brushed my messy hair and put my favorite smoothing shine spray in it – something that makes me feel a bit less untamed. I took a few minutes to sit with my vanity mirror and put on some makeup – something that always makes me feel more attractive. I put on the necklace my parents got me for my birthday – something that reminds me I’m loved. I read the birthday card Chris got me this year – something that reminds me how desired I am. And I’m writing this blog – something that reminds me it’s not hard to get out of a creative funk.

Am I all fixed? Nope! But do I feel better than I did an hour ago? You bet.

What do you do when you’re in a slump? And what CAN you do to survive the slump?

Real Desires of the Heart

Normally my blog posts come about by what God puts on my heart. Whether it’s seeing something and deciding to write about it, having a dream, or experiencing something in life. However, every once and a while, I see a theme in the other blogs I read and feel the need to write about it. I haven’t read through all of my daily blogs but I’ve already read 2 that talk about REAL desires as opposed to the things we let ourselves believe. Not really sure what I mean? Well how about this. Do you ever say something but really mean something else? No, never! heh. Now how about this…do you ever trick yourself into believing that what’s coming out of your mouth is truth and ignore what’s really going on in your heart? Ouch. Probably have to say yes to that one also.

The tricky thing about being human is that we were created with these amazing brains. They have this miraculous way of connecting to our mouth and connecting to our heart but not always connecting the 3 together. This is where the problems arise.

I haven’t figured out exactly what God wants me to learn from all of this today – but I know there is going to be something revealed if I let him reveal it. Because the truth is, I don’t think many people go a day or 2 without being deceived by their own motives and desires. I might say that I’m over something, but my heart screams otherwise when I sit down and think about the situation. I might smile at someone I don’t like and tell myself that I’ve chosen to love them but what am I thinking about as soon as they do something annoying again? How fickle are my emotions and do I let those emotions control me and my actions? Do I tell myself one thing HOPING that one day I’ll actually feel that way?

All stuff to think about. And I’m sure your questions are different but along the same path. Take some time to think about it. Pray about it. Figure out what your REAL desires are and what you’re incorrectly believing.

I’m going to leave you today with a little phrase that’s been sitting on my desk since I started my job over 4 years ago. “What’s my motive?”

Think about it. If we think about our true desires and motives before letting our emotions control our mouths, how much better off would we be right now?

Jess’ (so far) Guide to Pregnancy

I woke up realizing that I’ve learned a lot about being pregnant over these past 8 months. So I thought I’d write some things down to help me in the future, help my current pregnant friends, be an early read to my not yet pregnant friends and a guide to live on my blog for anyone to find. So here we go.

Clothing

• If you’re not comfortable, it’s not worth it. Wear clothes that fit instead of squeezing into your last non-maternity shirt.
• Non-maternity clothes make you look larger than you are – they aren’t made to fit your new curves.
• Invest in some maternity jeans and put less money into the tops so you can get a bunch of them.
• Ask around! Lots of people will be willing to give you clothes, even just to borrow, if they have some.
• Large t-shirts are perfect for bed…especially when it’s hot and the last thing you want is to be wearing clothes.
• Buy lots of solid, layerable shirts. Get the fitted tees with the bunching on the side…you can wear them at any month that you’re in! A great investment. Buy them in the winter w/ a few shirts that can go over it.
• Be careful of the help you get in maternity stores. They want to help but they’re still sales people. Try on everything and only buy what you love. You’re not investing in clothing at this point…you’re buying clothes to get you through a few months.
• Buy bigger bras as soon as you need them and then get bra extensions to make them last. Instead of buying bras over and over again these cost a whole $1.50 each and give you the extra help you need.
• Maternity pajama shorts are worth buying…they’re comfy and are light weight.
• Take care of yourself. As you get bigger you’re going to feel unattractive at times. Get your hair done, do your makeup, wear cute flats…it’ll make you feel better.
• Sweats are made for the house. Yoga pants can be worn anywhere – especially with a cute top.
• Maternity leggings are comfy and perfect to throw on under long tops and dresses!
• Just because someone gives you something, doesn’t mean you have to wear it. Wear what fits and what you like.

Learning

• It’s good to read What to Expect but only read the month that you’re in. It’s too overwhelming any other way.
• Do join some baby center/what to expect type websites. Don’t join all of them. Many times they’re all saying the same thing anyway.
• Stay off forums and pregnancy boards. Most of the people posting on there contradict each other and themselves. Many just want to complain. If you have a real question, ask your doctor or another mom. Or find a real medical website…don’t rely on strangers you don’t know.
• Learn to do some pregnancy stretches. It helped me with all of my back problems.
• Read some baby books and then move on. Don’t lose who you are because you’re having a baby. Chances are you’ll know what to do when you need to do it (or so I hear!)
• Listen to others or don’t. Friends always want to give advice but half the time what worked for them won’t work for you. Take opinions lightly.
• Listen to your body…it will tell you most things you need to know.
• Learn the difference between crying for no reason and not being able to help crying. I’ve found that sometimes my hormones are crazy and I feel like crying – but I don’t HAVE to. Save it for when you cry and you really can’t help it. No one likes a cry baby!
• Complaining is normal…but so is pregnancy. Women do it all of the time. And non-pregnant people WILL get tired of hearing it fast. Learn to get over things yourself.
• If you’re craving something, it may not be WHAT you’re craving that’s important…take a look at what that food provides you with. It’s usually the vitamins/fiber/salt/sugar that your body is craving…not the actual food.

Eating

• My favorite quote that I’ve lived by. “Yes, you’re eating for two. But that 2nd person weighs between 2 oz. and 4 lbs. most of your pregnancy…it only needs 300-400 calories. That’s 2 sodas.”
• Don’t emotional eat. Treat yourself, yes. But find a different way to deal with your hormones. Like going for a walk or writing or crying or watching a movie. I enjoyed watching Father of the Bride 2 while pregnant.
• Fruit is your friend but it’s also like giving your baby a red bull at times. Don’t forget that fruit is loaded in sugar.
• Skip the caffeine, go for the fruit. It’s a natural energy high. So is ice cold water.
• Carry a water bottle with you – thirst will sneak up on you.
• Eat healthy: what you eat, your baby eats.
• Don’t forget, this is the one time in a woman’s life that dessert is guilt-free. Treat yourself…just don’t do it every day.
• Keep eating. If you’re hungry, baby is hungry. You wouldn’t not feed him/her when he/she is here, would you?
• Heartburn is not fun but neither is giving up your favorite food. Choose wisely.
• You can make exceptions to the “do not eat when pregnant” list…but think about it, that list is there for a reason. Don’t be so selfish.
• You’re not fat, you’re pregnant. Keep repeating to yourself until that baby bump is obvious to all.

Get Comfortable

• My body pillow is my best friend at night. They’re much cheaper than buying what’s in the maternity stores. I got one at target and it has washable, removable covers. It’s perfect.
• Beware of your posture and the way you hold yourself. It’ll help wonders with your back and any pains you have. Shoulders back, neck straight, tailbone under. Straighten up – especially when sitting!
• Pillows are amazing support on a couch.
• Take advantage of people helping you and doing things for you. Then do the same for others when you’re not pregnant.
• If you’re tired, take a break. Don’t push yourself if you want to stay healthy.
• Learn to laugh at yourself. It’ll really help when you lose your balance and start wobbling for what seems like no reason.
• Exercise is good but don’t go crazy. You’re not trying to lose weight…just to keep healthy!

Well that’s all I’ve got for now…hope it helps someone. The biggest thing to remember is to take care of yourself, let others help you, know that things ARE going to change and there is nothing you can do about it. Just learn to listen to your body and enjoy the ride.

The Weekend Update

So you may have noticed that I haven’t posted a blog since Tuesday…yikes! I’m asking for your forgiveness…things have been crazy lately! I’m now in my 8th month of pregnancy AND just moved to a new apartment 1 week ago. Plus work has been really busy so I spend my lunch breaks trying to relax rather than come up with blogging topics.

I must say though, this weekend has been great. Over the past week my husband has been doing most of the unpacking and it’s been the biggest help anyone could ask for. It’s amazing coming home every day to find something else done and ready to be used. Then to top it off, this weekend he gave me a pedicure! Yup…my guy read up on how to make a good foot scrub and pampered me like crazy. And to top it all off, he bought me a brownie and took me shopping for things around the house. Is he good or what?

I’ve been thinking…this is the last mother’s day that will pass that I don’t have a little girl staring back at me wishing me a happy mother’s day. Reality that she’ll be here in 2 months is really starting to hit. And to be honest, it’s a bit scary! Exciting…but scary. Most days I still feel like a kid myself. But I’m just believing that God wouldn’t have allowed her into our lives if we weren’t prepared for this next step in life.

So here’s to the future…with a new apartment, a new addition to the family and to new friendships at our new church. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all develops

Happy Week-End. Talk to you soon

What An Attitude!!

There are many days in this nice 9 month journey that I’m just Jess with a belly. But then there are other days…and those days seem to be getting more frequent now that I’m in my third trimester. I’m talking about the days when I laugh, cry, become sad, then happy, hate everyone and love everything all within an hour.  Can’t relate? Well that’s okay…today’s post isn’t about pregnancy or mood swings or hormones. It’s about attitude.

Although I realize it’s perfectly normal to be hormonally imbalanced at this point in my life, I’ve also been made aware that I don’t have to give in to it. I can fight against the urge to throw keys at an annoying landlord office worker and not cry in the middle of Home Depot. I can wake up with a sore back and do some stretches to make it better. I can look at the rainy sky and completely stopped traffic and breathe a sigh of relief that I’m still happy, healthy and loved. Attitude and control really can make such a difference in my life if I give them the power to do so.

And then earlier today I realized that it’s not just me that God is speaking to about this…the rest of my post is from my bloggy friend’s post. And I swear, we didn’t talk about this. Take a read below and read the full post here:

It’s hard to be upset and play the victim role when you know God knows what He is doing. So we choose to trust in Him. We choose to stay positive. We choose whether we allow outside drama into our lives. We choose whether we allow ourselves to take our eyes off God and instead look at the worldly ways. We choose to find the good along with the bad.

While we may not always be able to choose our circumstances, we can choose our reaction to them.

We can choose our attitude.

……….I love the following quote by Charles R. Swindoll……..

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.

We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our Attitudes.

So.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
what do you choose?

And She Moves

I just had to share this with someone and since hubbie is enjoying a boys weekend at PAX in Boston, I thought I’d share it with the bloggy world. Telling him over the phone just didn’t do it for me haha.

Last night I was hanging out on the couch watching Season 1 of 10 Things I Hate About You (ya know, to get ready for season 2 which starts on Monday). Don’t judge. Well anyway, while watching the “will they won’t they” of Kat and Patrick, baby Charlotte (my unborn child) started moving around. At this point I’m used to her moving. She kicks and shifts all of the time. But somehow I knew this time was different. I looked down and noticed my entire stomach moving. It was the most amazing thing I think I’ve ever felt. I know she’s real. I see the sonogram and feel her moving. But to actually SEE her moving around was just the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. It literally brought me to tears, realizing how much I already love her and I haven’t even met her yet. Just to know that in about 3 months I’ll be able to hold her in my arms and tell her about the beauty of the world…it’s just so amazing. I never knew I’d feel this way. I guess no one can prepare you for the miracle of life. To be honest, I’m glad. It’s so much more moving to experience it without any expectations.

So that’s it…just had to share. I’m sure you moms can relate and everyone else can’t. But thanks for reading anyway

Take a Step Back

Every day I get closer to being a mom. And lately, it’s got me thinking a lot about my mom.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love my mom, always have, always will…but if I’m honest, I’ll admit that I don’t often think about her and what she’s done for me. But lately I have been. All of the dance practices she took me to and weekends away so I could compete. All of the ice cream she bought me when I didn’t win and the “dance gear” she bought me when I did. All of the dinners she cooked for me and lunches she packed. The toys she got me and the hours she spent taking care of me instead of working. Then later on all of the years she probably spent wondering why I didn’t like her and what she could have done differently. It’s a lot to think about if you haven’t thought about it much before.

Today my thoughts have gone passed the natural things she’s done and more towards the emotional/mental side of my mom. What does she think about when she’s all alone? Does she look in the mirror and think she’s pretty? Does she truly believe that she’s cherished and loved by my dad and the rest of us? What is she afraid of? Does she know that she’ll go to heaven when she dies? Is she afraid to die? Does she wish I were different?

The questions are endless. And maybe one day we’ll have the type of relationship that I can ask her these things. But we’ve never really been like that. I love her and we have fun when we get together, but we don’t really talk about these things. Which makes me wonder, what kind of relationship will I have with my daughter? Will she know that I believe I’m beautiful and that I know I’m cherished by my husband? I sure hope so.

In the end, I guess my point is that if we step back, we’ll often see people for much more than what we actually see with our eyes. And when we do that, we truly have the power to change any relationship…no matter what point they’re at.

Calling All Moms! Time Sensitive – Read Now!

Did the title catch your attention? I sure hope so! So as you know, I’m about 6 months pregnant now and it’s time to register for my baby shower! Chris and I are so excited but are also a bit overwhelmed as you probably remember feeling. So I need your help. We’re going to be registering this Sunday and I want to know:

What is the one thing you can’t live without? What brands are best? What do we NOT need that the stores will tell us we do? What do we definitely need to get?

This is your chance to voice all of the opinions I know you have – help a mom-to-be out!

Comment below or send me an email: jessicareiche@gmail.com

Thanks everyone!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

And for those of you wondering where your invitation to my shower is…the answer is that I have no idea. My mom and mother-in-law are planning it and i’m pretty sure the invites haven’t gone out yet. All I know is I’m having a shower and I need to register lol.

Scrapbooking Journey Conclusion

I’m not sure you’ve kept up with this adventure I’ve taken with scrapbooking, but make sure to read Part 1 and Part 2 before reading the exciting conclusion below!

All caught up? Good. Now for the exciting news: I DID IT! I actually made my scrapbook that I’ve been talking about making for 3 years now! So although experienced scrapbookers will probably not be impressed with my layouts, themes and designs, I’m proud of it and that’s all that matters.

The cover

Our Journey Page

So About Lot’s Wife…

¹⁴ So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.

¹⁵ With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.”

¹⁶ When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. ¹⁷ As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”

¹⁸ But Lot said to them, “No, my lords, please! ¹⁹ Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I’ll die. ²⁰ Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn’t it? Then my life will be spared.”

²¹ He said to him, “Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. ²² But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.” (That is why the town was called Zoar. )

²³ By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. ²⁴ Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. ²⁵ Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. ²⁶ But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

- Genesis 19: 14-26 (NIV) Emphasis mine

I don’t know about you, but when I read this story, I always get annoyed with Lot’s wife. I catch myself yelling at her, “why the heck did you look back??? The ANGELS said not to. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? And what about your husband? Don’t you trust him to lead you to safety? Your city is being destroyed and you’re being saved – there is nothing to look back at. Just move forward like you were told.” Needless to say, Lot’s wife is not a biblical character that I have looked up to or related to. If anything, she made me feel better about myself. Because in my head, I would never do THAT!

But yesterday I had a bit of a wake-up call. I was laying in bed crying – realizing that in life, so many times I’m like Lot’s wife. Granted the situations are different…but how many times do I wish for something of my past? How many times do I get stuck thinking “if only things didn’t change…” or “it was better when..”. And all this time I’m not even realizing that what I’m looking back at – doesn’t exist anymore. Whether it be a great memory or a hurtful one, they are in fact just memories now. The Lord has commanded me to move on. My husband has encouraged me to listen to God’s word NOW, not from the past. To not hope for things to go back to how they were, but to look forward to what He has ahead.

But when it comes down to it, I’m not sure I should be judging Lot’s wife too hard. I can’t say I wouldn’t be a pillar of salt myself if I was walking in her shoes.

And Away We Go!!

Some of you may remember a post I did a while back about my desire to scrapbook but lack of scrapbooking knowledge/discipline. Well I’m pleased to announce that with the help of my brother Craig and his girlfriend Nicole, I finally have all I need to get started!

So I went through my bag of “things to eventually go in a scrapbook” from my “projects I haven’t finished” drawer and found some fun things that define my life since Chris entered the picture. Hope you enjoy! (Please ignore the quality of these pix…I took them quickly in horrible lighting)

We like the Spiderman movies

Cornerstone Festival every year together

We love road trips

Our trip to Canada

We love our movies & music!

The simple things are sometimes the best!

A Sweet Aroma

Today’s blog is actually a devotional I received from Proverbs 31 Ministries. It touched me and I hope it touches you as well. Enjoy!

A Sweet Aroma

31 Dec 2009

Tracie Miles

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Galatians 5:22 (NIV)

A sweet thing happened recently. It was Sunday morning at church, and the congregation was standing, singing hymns. My precious little boy was beside me with his arms wrapped around my waist.

Every few minutes, he pressed his face into my shirt. After several times, I finally determined he was sniffing me, so I leaned down and quietly asked why. He stood on his tip toes, put his face close to mine and whispered, “Because you smell like fruit, Mommy! It smells really good!” I smiled and knew what he smelled was one of my favorite perfumes which has a clean, sweet, fruity aroma.

God turned my thoughts to how we’re to be a pleasing aroma to Him, through thoughts, actions and behaviors carried out in the Spirit. Ephesians 5:2 encourages us to “…live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (NIV).

What does that really mean? How can we offer a fragrant offering that is pleasing to God and be a fragrance to those around us?

There is a Hawaiian saying, “Tiny is the flower, yet it scents the grasses around it.” What a great illustration of how the smallest things can have impactful results. The fact that the flower is small and seemingly insignificant, does not keep it from spreading the fragrance it was created to share. In fact, often the smallest flower can have the most potent fragrance!

Sometimes we may feel like a tiny flower. We wonder if we are really capable of doing anything big or important for Christ. Insecurities, feelings of unworthiness or life challenges prevent us from seeing how God can use us to bless Him and impact others. It is not the size of the actions that matter, but the aroma that is created by those actions. Each time we do something in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness we offer a fragrant offering to God. And we help others learn how to be a little fragrant flower too, in a big world that can be pretty stinky.

Each one of us can choose what fragrance we exude. It might be a good idea to ask from time to time, What type of fragrance am I leaving behind? How am I affecting the world around me with the gifts God gave me? Am I exuding a spiritual aroma that is a fragrant offering to Christ?

Our lingering fragrance should be one of love and kindness, not anger and harshness. Patience and faithfulness, not intolerance and selfishness. And lifting people’s spirits with joy and peace, not leaving them discouraged and broken. Our fragrance should be sowing seeds that point to the goodness of Christ.

When God created flowers, He intentionally created them to give off a sweet aroma. And He created us just the same. So, what fragrance are you wearing today?

Dear Lord, teach me how to smell like You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.