More than Unbroken

First of all, let me say thank to everyone for the warm birthday wishes. Since this post is going live so late, I’d like to make sure you know that today, March 31, is my birthday. I just wanted to to clarify this for most of you that will probably not see this post until tomorrow. Smiles, Jill © Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries. All rights reserved.

This was one of Pastor Chuck’s catchphrases. I’ve thought about it a lot. Basically, it means that you have to put something (money, effort, time, etc.) into what you are doing in order for it to really mean something to you.  If what you are doing doesn’t cost you anything, then it’s easy for you to ignore it, forget about it, or walk away from it. Unfortunately, this is how many approach life. They are looking for the easy route, too lazy to blaze a new trail or put forth the effort to really be proud of what they’ve accomplished. No, these days, everyone is awarded for even signing up, regardless of whether or not they showed up for a practice, a recital, a game, or a day of work.  This trend has wafted into American church doors like a fog surrounding Christians until they can’t see ahead of them or around them because their vision isn’t clear.  The Bible tells us that “where there is no vision the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). Are you due for an eye exam? Do you s...

Today marks sixteen years that I have been a mother.  I had no idea what to do with the little baby boy that God gave me, and we've had plenty of bumps along the way.  As I reflect on his life so far, I'm reminded of so many little moments in his life that I will hold to tightly and treasure always. Of course, the first moment is his actual birth.  Many people don't know this, but I went into pre-term labor with Wess at 34 weeks.  The doctors told me that, given how early he was, he would likely have a low birth weight and multiple medical and developmental issues.  But I knew in my heart that he would be strong.  He would be okay.  Believe it or not, I sat in a hospital room from March 7-14, 2005 incubating him as long as my body would allow. Then, on March 14, he arrived.  I'll never forget the relief I felt when I heard those piercing cries come from his strong lungs.  My baby boy, by the grace of God, was perfect... and so tiny! We had to...

I broke a record this week.  Well, actually, I broke my finger. My right pinky finger to be exact.  Up until Tuesday, I had never broken a bone or needed stitches as a result of an injury.  The first thought that came to mind was, "I don't have time for this!"  Here we are, one week before showtime, my son is getting ready to turn sixteen, and I've got to make a trip to the ER. (Insert annoyed eyeroll).  First, let me say that I work with some amazing ladies who literally swooped in and assisted me during my "crisis." Sometimes it's easy to wonder who your friends really are, and I was blown away by the army of people that wrapped me up and stood in the gap to keep things going in my absence.  My husband "just happened" to be in the city where I needed to go to the ER.  My best friend (who works at the school with me) drove me up to meet him.  It was chilly out, and I left my jacket at work.  No problem; our friends were in town for a doctor ...

As I sit pondering my experiences this weekend, I am truly just at a loss for words. To keep it simple and mild, “God is good.” Even so, that doesn’t begin to express the awe and excitement I feel in my bones over events that have transpired, which I won’t spend time elaborating on now. For now, I’m going to just enjoy the experience of being speechless and in wonder of my Creator and Sustainer. When I don’t know what to say, I either keep quiet or I go to the source of all my truth... The Word of God. Jesus Himself is described as the Word. His words are better than mine anyway, so as I reflect on His very real presence in my life, I pray you find strength and encouragement-maybe even feel Him near you-in the following words... from the Word Himself.  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:7-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. ...