One of God’s Favorites

A few weeks ago, I visited with a friend who was recounting the many blessings overflowing into her life. At one point, she looked at me and said, “Jane, I’m one of God’s favorites.”

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I burst out laughing, but I loved it so much. It’s true!! She is one of God’s favorites. And guess what, so are you! Even (and especially) if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

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This particular friend is currently being blown away by how abundantly and visibly God is blessing her. She uttered the phrase, “I’m one of God’s favorites” at least ten times during our weekend together. On my train ride back to DC, I realized that I, too, have a phrase I utter anytime the Lord blesses/surprises/humors me: “Jesus loves me!” I say this all the time, not only as an exclamation of gratitude but as a reminder to myself: Jesus loves me. In little things, big things, and everything in between.

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Whether you’re a “Jesus loves me!” or “One of God’s favorites” person doesn’t really matter; what does matter is that throughout our days and weeks, we never forget how much we are loved. Even the most awful, grumpy, unlucky, and frustrating days have rays of light within. And so even if work is hard, I’m disappointed, or my plans are dashed, I know that Jesus still loves me. I can look back at the hardest seasons of my life, ones I wouldn’t wish on anyone, and now confidently say, “Jesus loved me so much through that,” because of how beautifully that time shaped my character, endurance, hope, and faith.

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I don’t know what your life looks like right now, whether you’re feeling particularly loved or not, but I guarantee that God is working in this moment, right here, right now. How can you live in gratitude and the reminder of His great love and good plans for you? Do you need to set a “Jesus loves me!” alarm to go off each afternoon? Could you keep a gratitude journal or snap photos at moments when you’re feeling particularly happy or thankful?

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The summer is beginning, and with it comes sunshine and brightness and new opportunities for growth. My prayer for this summer is to live joyfully in the truth that I’m one of God’s favorites and that He has fun surprises in store. He invites us to live with childlike faith, big dreams, and vibrant hope in His promises.

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Often when I need a reminder of truth, I turn to music. Here are some of my current favorites about God’s goodness: Counting My Blessings, Still Yours, I’ll Give Thanks, and Slower I Go.

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What are your goals for the summer? Do you have another exclamation you make in gratitude for God’s goodness? Please reply and let me know!!

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In Christ,

Jane

Hidden Brain Podcast: Do Less

My father sent me this podcast episode… and then my boss sent it to me. I did finally listen to it and wow, so good. It reminded me of last week’s newsletter about letting go! There is so much power in doing less. A good thing to pray about as the summer begins! Check it out and let me know what you think. Spotify and Apple Podcast links here!

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​The Chosen Season 4, Ep 2 and 3!​

Continuing to link these for y’all… so good!

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The first fireflies of summer 🥹

Saw the first fireflies of summer this week on an evening walk and I got emo. I didn’t have fireflies grow up in California and I LOVE them! I took a few minutes to just stop and watch them glitter about. Swoon.

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​The Sacred Search by Gary Thomas

I am not a big Christian dating book fan, but I absolutely devoured this one. I loved the focus on how it’s not about “who” you marry but “why” (the who is obviously very important too!). I heard mixed reviews on it before I read it, but I couldn’t recommend this book more highly – super practical, clear, and good.

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My “Jesus loves me!” moment this week

On Tuesday night I was flying back from a quick work trip, and I was bummed to be missing my volleyball team’s semi-final game. However, I knew that I’d be landing at DCA right around the time they’d be playing! So while I was on the plane, I told my new friend Claudette (in the window seat) that I was hoping we’d be landing south-bound so I could snap a pic of my friends on the beach volleyball courts by Lincoln. We had no idea which way we were going and it was looking like we’d be coming in northbound… until the compass app I had open on my phone showed we were shifting and we eventually faced south!! I got a pic of my friends (the little ant people on the sand courts to the left) and it was such a delight. Jesus loves me!