Queen Jen's Gems

 When you think about your to-do list, what comes to mind? Maybe your list includes cleaning or another chore around the house, running errands, calling someone, or completing a task for work. However, have you ever thought of adding some of these on your list: do nothing, smile, go outside, get fresh air, do one thing for someone else today, drink water, or exercise. Now, you may include some of these things already like exercise and going outside (these are included on my list a lot, especially when I can get a walk in outside!). In looking at the latter items on the list, you notice some of them may involve simple things and ways we can take care of ourselves. You see, I love making to-do lists 💜!! In recent weeks though, I have looked at my list with a new set of eyes. I am realizing I don't have to do everything in one day and it doesn't have to be long to be effective. Three things done well can be better than five things written down and only one thing got done. It defi...

 When we think about new, we may think about a new year, new day, new possessions or a new look. Those can definitely be good. However, I'm learning that new doesn't always mean something we can see with our physical eyes. New may mean a new mindset, a new attitude, a new outlook, a new routine. I'm learning that new can begin at any time of the day 💖. When we give our lives to Jesus and begin to live for him, we are made new (II Corinthians 5:17). The Scripture mentions that the old is gone and the new has come. Each day, we should be changing for the better. The past can be put behind us. It's not that it ever happened, but we don't have to let it determine how we live now. You may be wondering what are some things that can be made new. Let's take a few minutes to talk about them 😊. One thing that can be made new is our thoughts. Our thoughts are so powerful and direct our daily decisions. We can't always control every thought that comes in our mind, but...

 Have you ever been riding somewhere and it felt like it would take forever to get there? You kept seeing signs that said the destination was a certain number of miles away and the number starts getting smaller. However, it still seemed really far away! How about when you've been in a race or gone hiking and it seemed like the trail or finish line would never come? Perhaps you are in school, college or professional development classes for your job and the degree or certification seems so far away. You know with every assignment turned in and every session attended that it's getting closer, yet it doesn't seem that way. Recently, one of my cousins, our friend, and I went to visit High Bridge State Trail Park in Farmville, VA for a day trip. It's a beautiful town if you ever get a chance to visit 💖. We walked across the bridge, which was absolutely amazing with the beautiful scenery! After walking across the bridge, we then decided to walk the trail underneath, so we cou...

 With a new year comes new beginnings. New beginnings may come with being given or buying new belongings. In order to receive those new belongings, we need to have a proper space for them to be placed. I believe everything should have a place somewhere. When I go shopping and want to buy something, I have to ask myself two questions: "Do I need it or want it?" and "Do I have room for it?" Now I don't get the answers to these 100% correct every time (some of what I say I need is a want or I haven't prepared my space properly), but I'm doing a lot better than I used to. I'm learning to be more aware and careful of my responses and act accordingly. You see, I love to shop💖! Do you know who else that was special in my life that liked to shop too?! You guessed it- my Mom!! So you can probably imagine our closets at home 😊. My Mom's room has the walk in closet and mine has the regular size. Then there is a walk in closet in our computer room, which m...

 "Stop slouching!" Did anybody hear this statement growing up? I know I heard this many times from my Momma! Whenever I wasn't sitting up or standing up straight, Momma Sylvia would say that statement to me. I used to be really bad about slouching when I was younger. Now I'm better about it, but I have to admit that every now and then I catch myself slouching. Every time I do, I hear Momma Sylvia's voice ringing in my ear , "Stop slouching!" That statement was usually followed by sit or stand up straight. I was short(still am 😁) and quiet (still can be depending on the circumstances and who I'm around 😁). I thought slouching would put me in a lower position and make me feel unseen. I thought it would keep me from avoiding the looks of others (which usually didn't work!). You see, growing up, I dealt with low self-esteem and even as an adult to be honest. I didn't feel good about myself. I hadn't learned to embrace who God made me to be....

 Hey there👋!! It's so good to see you 😊. I'm glad you're here! I'm ready for a new start, new beginning! I'm so thankful for what was, but I'm also thankful for what is coming. 2022 had really tough moments along with great moments as well. In 2022, I focused on being more open to what life offered and the new opportunities, connections and places to visit that came along with it. I believe greater is coming and I don't want to miss it 💚! Now I still want to be more open, but I also need to focus on another word: today. Yes, today! My mind tries to go into overthinking mode quickly and be five steps ahead of what I'm currently doing. I need to work on focusing on the present moment. I need to focus on one step and one day at a time . I need to ask myself: What do I need today? What can I do today? I need to take a honest look and be realistic about what I can and cannot do. Other years saw me stretch myself way too thin, but 2023, I don't want to ...

 Here we are. It's almost the end of another year. Praise God we made it!! I thank God for keeping me from January to December 🙌!! Each moment, second, minute, day,  and month had its highs, lows, good times, frustrations, challenges and wins. I gained some people and lost others along the way. I lost some people in the sense that I was associated and talked with them, but I no longer do so. Some people I grew apart from as we had different beliefs and that's okay. I also lost two beautiful people near to my heart in April of this year: my Aunt and Uncle, who I miss so much and am thankful for the moments shared with them🙏. For the last few years instead of making New Year's resolutions, I have been choosing a word to focus on in the year. This year, I chose the word open. I was ready to be open to learning new things, meeting new people, visiting new places, and having new experiences 💜. Notice the word new. I was looking for something new the whole year and not just at...