Queen Jen's Gems

If you were asked to finish the statement, I am...what would you say? Would you say your name? Where you're from? What school or college you go to or went to? Whose child you are? What career or job you have? What your personality traits are? There are so many words we could use to complete this statement. However, the best way to complete the "I am" statement is by saying who God says you are. We need to speak the truths of God's Word. The only way we can know His truth is read and study them and allow them to become a part of us. Our identity is found in God. We need to confess God's Word daily. Too many times, we have spoken negative words over ourselves, such as I am not smart enough, good enough, tall enough, pretty or handsome enough. We are enough and don't have to be like anyone else. This is a lesson that took me a very long time to learn, but God has allowed me to get it! I don't need to be anyone else, but me. There are moments when I want to co...

Life has its ups, downs, good times, bad times, unexpected twists and turns, moments where our faith is challenged and moments when we wonder if we're even going to make it. I'm here to tell you that we can make it and that we don't have to quit in the race of life. Hebrews 12:1-2 describes the race of faith we should be running. In order to run this race for Jesus, we first must accept Him as Lord and Savior of our life. We must believe that He died on the cross, was buried, rose from the dead, and wants to save and change us. After we enter the race, then there are some things we must do to stay fit daily. Just like a runner in a physical race prepares, we as Christians need to prepare too. To stay fit as Christians, we need to read and study the Word, rest, pray, give thanks to God and spend time with other Christians. When runners run in their race, they know they can't wear heavy clothing and things that will weigh them down. Instead, they wear light fit clothing t...

Life can be interesting. Life can be wonderful. Life can be confusing and leave you asking questions of why. Life can be sweet and bitter all at the same time. In this journey of life, we've seen it all happen. While we all have had different life experiences, we all have learned lessons along the way. I know I have! Today, I want to take time out and share some of the lessons I've learned (and still learning!) along my journey: Every day I live to see is a blessing. Spend time with God in the morning- It sets the tone for my day! Appreciate people in my life while they are still here with me. Take one day at a time. Breathe! It will be okay! Find time to relax and rest in each day. It's okay to say no sometimes. Yes and no are complete sentences. Put forth my best effort in all I do and don't worry about being recognized or getting a "pat on the back." The tough times don't last forever- things do get better! The people meant to come and stay...

"Celebrate good times. Come on." Sound familiar?! It's a line from a song that most of us have probably heard of before. When you think of celebrating good times, birthday parties, weddings and graduations are a few moments that may come to your mind. In this season, many high school and college graduations are taking place in many different areas. Celebrations for the graduates are being held and that's great. But what about celebrating the fact that we have stopped a bad habit for 2 weeks, saw a family member we haven't seen for a while, started eating healthier foods, getting more sleep at night? What about celebrating those moments of life along with the special occasions? When we celebrate, we show our thanks and appreciation for what has happened. At most celebrations, there is also a noise that can be heard. There are sounds of joy and excitement in the air. Well, God is looking for a sound too! God is looking for a sound of praise from us. Psalm 150:6 says...

To connect with someone or something means to join to or associate with it. Like never before in our world, people are connected to technology. At every turn, someone is on their phone, iPad, tablet, computer, etc. Technology has made it easier to connect with anyone from anywhere. Social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allows you to send messages, posts, videos and pictures that can be viewed by millions in a matter of seconds. News and pictures that used to take days and months to hear and see can now be received instantly. Now there is nothing wrong with social media when it is used in a positive way. We connect a lot with others throughout our day. But what about connecting with God? How many times during the day do we check in with Him? If we would be honest, we don't check in with Him like we should. I know I have work to do in that area. The good news is that God loves each of us so much that He gave His only son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. After ...