Firefly

by Jennifer Vlaicevic, in category Uncategorized

Running innocently and freely in an open field, chasing fireflies in the warm summer night. A young country girl and a boy, visiting from the city capture the brilliant beams of light!

As they seal the mason jars shut in bewilderment and wonder of the seasons magic, they glance and disappointingly see, that the brilliant lights they had just admired had suddenly gone dim.

Have you ever been drawn to the light in someone’s eyes? Maybe it was in a child as they colorfully gleamed and dreamed out loud? Was it the electric spark of innocence and interest that flashed from across a room in a first loves glance? Likely you noticed the warmth, peering out from the kindness of a strangers face with an out held hand and a giving heart? Or in the glowing, ancient light of wisdom behind an old man or woman’s telling eyes?

I recently saw a current picture of a dear friend I hadn’t seen in years. Something was different, but I couldn’t quite decide what. As I glanced closer at the photograph, I realized what it was. The light and spark in their eyes, I once so adored, was missing.

Our eyes are the windows to our soul.

Just as a firefly loses it’s ability to shine when it is trapped and without oxygen, we too can become darkened and dense within. (Matthew 6:23)

This happens over time, through our daily choices. When we veer off the path of Gods good Will for our lives, (found in His Word) and choose what is wrong and unhealthy for ourselves, we can unfortunately get trapped in sin and bondage through our poor life choices.

This sadly leaves our spirit to dull and over time lose that special radiance and unique soul shine that are the product of illumination from the peace and joy that come from the luminous Presence of the Lord in our lives.

The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. (Psalm 19:8)

Your light brightens this earth and is the evidence of God alive in you!

luckily, we have a beautiful gift called repentance. Repentance can be unwrapped and opened at any time – time and time again.

It is a simple, heart felt, I’m sorry.

It’s recognizing, confessing and turning away from our old way of living- our poor choices, little and big and turning toward God.

We can do this regularly throughout our day as we become aware of our misaligned thoughts, actions and intentions that do not align with our Truth.

This continual turning frees us and keeps us that way.

This turning toward God opens the lid to our entrapment and frees our spirit.

Suddenly you can breathe again! You feel the truest form of joy welling up deeply from within and it’s as if your spirit is weightless – free to fly and live life on FIRE!

Shine brightly friend!

So repent [change you inner self- your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God – seek His purpose for you life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]. (Acts 3:19 AMP)

If you enjoyed this, please Like and Share! God works through you to reach and bless others! Thank you! Subscribe for Free by clicking the button on top for more encouragement and playlists!

Jun152017Jun 15 2017

The One Word that Could Improve Your Marriage Instantly

by Jennifer Vlaicevic, in category Uncategorized

Thrilled to be sitting in the third row, seeing my favorite LAUGH OUT LOUD, SO FREAKING HARD comedian Rodman, he threw out a question to the audience.

“What is the one word you would describe that has kept your marriage together?”

Honestly, I’m having a hard time recalling what everyone said. I do remember some guy blurting out SEX, of course and another YES, as in Yes Dear. I think one woman said laughter and another friendship. And I agree with all of them.

For our marriage, I’d say the one word that has made us work for the just about nineteen years we’ve been married is RESPECT.

I had picked up an extra yoga class to instruct, so that meant having to leave before the kids got up and ready for school. By the time I would get home, we would need to race out the door in order for them to get to school on time.

This would leave my Husband with the responsibilities of getting them up, dressed, feeding them breakfast, packing lunches, snacks, water bottles, picking out and ironing clothes, hair, teeth, ect. Having everything packed and ready to go!

My initial thought was “Hey, I’m working, he’s perfectly capable of doing what I do everyday.”

THEN, I THOUGHT IT THROUGH.

“There would be weeping there, gnashing and grinding of teeth.”

You get my drift.

It would leave my Husband and Daughters to start out their day stressed, flustered, crying and probably not speaking to one another, all while he’s trying to get ready and out the door for work.

So I decided to prepack their lunches, snacks and water bottles the night before. I made sure they had clean clothes in their drawers, so things would run smoothly. All he had to do was wake them up and scoop out the already made oatmeal for breakfast and the rest was taken care of.

I came home after teaching Holy Yoga to a happy, peaceful family. Girls were dressed and smiling, all I had to do was swoop up two pony tails and get them in the car. Hubby was cologned up, ready to give me a kiss goodbye and walk out the door to have a great day! And I felt good. I did right by my family. RESPECT.

And he does the same for me in so many crazy, beautiful, sexy, selfless ways. We see each other, we hear each other, we think of each other. Time and time again. We show up. We get up. We give the best of ourselves in little and in big ways.

This morning I woke up early, I didn’t have to. It’s summer, I could have slept in. But My Husband has an extra long work day today. So I snuck out of before he did, to do the work his morning normally consists of. I made him an iced coffee, a gourmet breakfast and packed his lunch so he could have a few more quite moments to himself.

He appreciated it. I got a loving text on his way to work thanking me. And I thanked him back for all that he does for our family.

This doesn’t always happen. Last night he came home and in my defense, I did make a delicious chicken salad that was in the fridge and ready to go for dinner. And, I did think for a second to get off of the couch and serve it to him. I even thought I’d make him a quesadilla on the side. But….. I was too tired and burnt out myself after a long day with the kids.

Okay, so maybe it’s all about providing each other the gifts of respect along with mercy.

When our spouses see and feel us giving our all to the relationship, it is easier for them to notice and respect (There’s that word again!) the times we are human and just need a break, and vice versa.

What about you? What is the one word you would say that describes your relationship’s success? Maybe there is one word that describes it’s fall? In that case, I hope this helps shine light and encouragement for future relationships.

How will you love really well today? I’d love to here!

She considers a [new] field before she buys it or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. Proverbs 31:16 AMP

Husbands, love your wives, [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love], just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25 AMP

(Mark and I with Rodman after the show!)

If you enjoyed this post please SHARE! And hit SUBSCRIBE up at the top to receive more like it!

May252017May 25 2017

Dream Home

by Jennifer Vlaicevic, in category Uncategorized

Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], and by knowledge shall its chamber [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (Proverbs 24:3-4 AMP)

Driving through a prominent neighborhood, as I frequently do, dreaming of one day owning a home quite as beautiful, I noticed new construction going on around it. A team of men working together under the instruction of one man, guiding them as they carefully, precisely lowered a beam to begin framing the roof.

Just as a house is designed and built ground up from a plan of intricate instruction and design, we too build our lives according to God’s blueprint found in His Word. He is the solid foundation in which we are to build upon. Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)

We all have big dreams in our hearts for every area of our lives; our relationships, our families, our health, our careers, our homes. If we don’t, we should ask God to reveal to us a vision for our life. Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18) It is through the understanding of God’s character and the wisdom provided in His Word in which we begin to build our lives. Which really, in reality is our home.

Home isn’t four walls and a roof, it’s not your dream kitchen with all the perks; home is where our spirit abides. Home is the temple in which we dwell with God. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? (Corinthians 6:19)

Every morning for the last six months, I’ve woken up to the sound of construction and heavy machinery clearing lots and building new homes. At first this was a nuisance, and then God invited me to see it differently. Now, I allow it to be my early morning wake up call, encouraging me to rise, shine and partner with God!

We can each partner with God, through studying His Word and activating our faith through the obedience in the placing of each piece of our being. By submitting our hearts, minds, bodies and spirits to the authority of His instruction. By offering Him our energy, time and talents, He begins to build and manifest this beautiful life we dream of! This home we see so clearly in our hearts! And He does this from the inside out.

Time to start building that dream home!

Blessings friend,

Jennifer

If you enjoyed this post and wish to read more like it, click the Subscribe button above, it’s free! Then come and find me on Social Media under Heaven Happy!

Photo credit: Karley Rogerson at @karley_wanders

Apr132017Apr 14 2017

Just Follow Love

by Jennifer Vlaicevic, in category Uncategorized

The earth shook and an Angel of the Lord came and rolled back the stone from Jesus’ tomb and sat on it. When approached and asked of Jesus’ whereabouts, the angel spoke. “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.”

So what does the rolling of the stone and Jesus’ empty tomb mean for us today?

Awhile back, while taking a morning walk, feeling very weighted down in my heart and thoughts. I softly heard in my spirit, “Roll away the reproach.” Never hearing this before, I went home and began to research.

Reproach means guilt, disgrace, shame, disappointment and disapproval.

Jesus said, “I will roll away the reproach of Egypt.” Egypt symbolizes our world today.

The rolling back of the stone is for us. It’s for you.

Jesus is saying, by my sacrifice, by my death and resurrection, I have rolled away your reproach. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

THAT MEANS THE WEIGHT OF THIS WORLD HAS BEEN LIFTED FROM YOU!!!

You are forgiven again and again and again! Whatever spiritual rags you were rockin’ you get to trade in and trade up! His beauty for your ashes! Former guilt and shame for glory! Joy in your heart instead of sadness! A spirit of praise to adorn each new day instead of despair! Hallelujah!

Consider yourself crowned permanently! No Snapchat filter needed! (Isaiah 61:3)

This Good News, means an eternal life that begins now! Stepping out of whatever deception darkness has you held in and into a Life filled with Light, purpose, direction, forgiveness and freedom!

Jesus said, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, have it to the full, in abundance until it overflows!” (John 10:10)

God wants you happy child! Be Free! Shake it off! Step out!

When Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb and found the Angel of Lord, she was instructed to leave the tomb and go into Galilee. She was told that Jesus has gone before her and He will meet her there.

We too have a part to play in this story of the stone.

Jesus has conquered the grave. He has rolled away the stone of death and is leading us out into a blessed life filled with Hope!

He is calling you to step out, to feel the weight that has been lifted from you and to step into the Light of Life with Him. To trust, believe, receive, and to follow Him into the Resurrection Life He has promised.

He has gone before you.

Take the step, follow Him, just follow Love. He promises to meet you there!

Happy Easter Friend!

Enjoy your life!

xo,

Jennifer

**** Listen to and enjoy my playlist for Just Follow Love for some musical encouragement! Plus! Share the Love! Please Like and Share this post, if you were encouraged! Then don’t forget, come and find me on social media under Heaven Happy so we can connect!***

Mar22017Mar 3 2017

Sex & Cake

by Jennifer Vlaicevic, in category Uncategorized

Savoring the indulgent frosting, relishing my brief moment of ecstasy, my hubby of eighteen years swept in behind me in the kitchen and playfully kissed my neck. I sneakily smiled like a schoolgirl with a crush as I remembered our evening together. “Let’s go girls! It’s time for school!” He called the troops and they shuffled out the door!

I finished frosting the German Chocolate cake I made for my warrior Husband to enjoy on his day off and thought to myself,

“Darn!!! Sex AND a cake! I’m a good wife!”

Tempted to snap a picture of my chocolate brilliance and send it to a girlfriend with a #sexandacake #goodwifey I was reminded of this.

So when you give, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:3-4 (NLV)

So, I put my phone down.

The gifts I gave to my Husband. Love, time and a sweet indulgence were from my heart. Work has been challenging for him lately and I wanted to spoil him a bit. Give him rest and renewal. Remind him of ALL that we DO have, instead of focusing on any struggle and lack.

Taking and sending or posting that picture would have stripped the gifts from their love, compassion and purity of intent.

Which led me to this thought.

Today, we are seduced into a very enticing allure called Social Media.

But is it posting or boasting?

We bring a friend flowers, we post. Serve the homeless, we post. Make our kids an extra special smiley face pancake breakfast, we post.

Not to say sharing is wrong. Posts and pictures can cause us to move. To put love into action. To get up and out and serve our family, our community and the world in richer, more profound ways. By all means, let us keep encouraging, leading and inspiring one another through the power of Social Media.

I am only extending the encouragement to listen and be carefully led by the “gut Guidance” of the Holy Spirit.

May we PAUSE before we POST and ask ourselves our motivations, after all isn’t every post some kind of an offering?

Are we posting to help fulfill or to be fulfilled?
Are we prompted to post from a sincere heart?
Do we genuinely wish to inspire and motivate others with these words and images?
Would the person/cause appreciate me posting or would it detract value from the gifts or time given?

If the answer is No to any of these questions, or you feel unsure or an uneasiness about it in your Spirit, I encourage you to put the phone down.

Our joy and fulfillment should be in the act of giving and giving alone.

If we choose to gratify our flesh with that of our gifts given of the heart, we will have received our reward in full.

God loves a cheerful giver. And desires to bless them gratefully! (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)

Let our joy be in Him!

#givegoodgiftsandgoodgiftswillbegiven

If you enjoyed this post, join me for more! Hit SUBSCRIBE at top, it’s FREE! Then come and find me at @Heaven_Happy let’s connect!

Sep282016Sep 28 2016

LIVING SPACES

by Jennifer Vlaicevic, in category Uncategorized

God gives us power to face our enemies, to do hard things, to clear and conquer our souls!

We see a powerful example of this truth in the book of Joshua. Joshua, once a spy working for the Servant of the Lord Moses, had done the hard work of obeying God time and time again. After the death of Moses, he successfully led and delivered the tribes of Israel to Canaan, the new and Promised Land.

Once they had arrived, they each were allotted territory, land of their own. Unhappy with the lot they were given, the people of Joseph complained, it was not enough!

Hmm. Sound familiar? The groan of NOT ENOUGH?

Joshua said…the hill country shall be yours; though it is a forest, you shall clear and possess it to its farthest borders; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong. (Joshua 17:18 AMP)

God had appointed the tribes of Israel each a piece of land. His instruction, clear it to possess it. Joshua had led them this far, it was time for them to do some hard work of their own. It was time to grow up! Time to take some action and step into the lots they were given. Time to step into the fulfilling richness of their destinies.

Can you relate to the feeling of wanting more but feeling stuck or helpless? Do you look out and only see obstacles in the way of the growth you truly desire? Maybe, just as the people of Israel, God has led you this far.

Is He asking you to now face some strong enemies invading your space that need to be driven out and cleared away in order for you to possess the life and gifts He has for you?

You see, it’s your turn.

God has given you the power. He has appointed you the land, the career, the family, the freedom, the health, the healing, the prosperity, the ideas, the creativity, the opportunities and the strength.

You’ve got this, with Him!

But its time to clear away the things that hinder you. Chances are, you know what and who they are and it’s time!

It’s time to clear and conquer!

You see, God does not only have physical blessings awaiting you in the clearing of your life and soul, but spiritual blessings await you as well!

Clearing away of the useless and even harmful things that fill our lives, such as, wrong thinking, unhealthy habits and toxic relationships, provide us with not only a physical piece of what it is that we desire in life, but the clearing away actually provides a spiritual peace as well. Allowing us to make space for breathing room. To be filled with freedom and joy. Space to enjoy righteousness and relationship with God!

You see, we are living spaces, vessels to be filled, cleared daily of the unnecessary sin and fear that weigh us down. We are to be a space cleared and prepared for a continual filling of The DIVINE!

I pray God instills in you a fresh and renewed strength! Strength you need to claim your land! Strength to take the first step and then the next and then the next. To clear and possess your true life! An abundant life of quality, purpose, peace and joy!

May your blessings be expansive! May you receive and accept the power provided!

In what ways can you begin today with God’s help to clear and conquer? I’d love to hear!

Sharing is caring! If you enjoyed and found value in this post please share with others! If you’d like more like it along with inspiring playlists hit SUBSCRIBE up at the top! It’s FREE! Then come and find me on social media under Heaven_Happy! I’d love to connect!

Aug72016Aug 8 2016

Living Abroad

by Jennifer Vlaicevic, in category Uncategorized

Living abroad!

Quite glamorous! Wouldn’t you agree?

Just imagine all of the exotic senses that would allure and entice you to emerge and commune with the unknown! Jetting off each untold day, whether by foot or a fancy fueled to explore the unfamiliar land! Covering the tiniest off beat crevices of this world, to the extreme, lush heights to the deepest blue depths!

The coveted visions you’d be granted of umbrella dotted rivieras, colorful, cascading cliffs and convertible coasts!

What it would feel like, to softly step foot into museums, monuments and cathedrals that you’ve only dreamt of!

To wander the secluded, romantic cobblestone streets, that quietly whisper their history to you as they accompany and introduce you to a welcoming sidewalk cafe.

Listen closely, hear the locals, the languages and the laughter erupting with culture!

Sit for awhile, sip the espresso, drink the wine! Indulge for just a bit!

I think it’s truthful to say we tend to believe this idea of living abroad is reserved for the privileged, the rich and the famous of the world.

Right?

Wrong!

You my foreign friend are indeed living abroad! You are not at home.

As a believer in Jesus Christ you are an official citizen of The Kingdom of Heaven! You are a temporary resident here on earth. (Philippians 3:20)

When accepting Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior you are given proof of this royal citizenship. The bible says your proof, your key of entrance of identity and heritage is a gift placed within you as a believer. The Holy Spirit Himself. (Ephesians 1:14)

Think of Him as your Passport in life if you will!

Having this realization of your temporal life here on earth, may help you approach each new day with a fresh and eternal perspective!

Get out and explore the land! Taste the food! Get to know the people! Engage with someone new today! Smile, wave, listen, help fill a need! Turn up the music and dance! Take the time to create something new! Write, cook, sing, sculpt, paint! Forgive and give more! Choose love every time! Always believe! And by all means, enjoy yourself while you have the opportunity!

Know that your time here is short. And what you do with the time is crucial!

Which ever divine purpose has been placed on your heart; the project, the person, the mission, the conversation, the action, the one that keeps coming to mind – yes! That one! Don’t delay it any longer!

BEGIN TODAY!

Each one of us upon our arrival home, will sit before the Throne of God and give an account of our life spent here on earth and will receive accordingly. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Our time, attention, motive, purpose and achievements while here in the body should be presented as an intentional gift that we can proudly and humbly present to our King! A beautiful, genuine, well thought out offering of thanks that benefited not merely ourselves but The Kingdom of Heaven as well!

A life well lived, while living abroad!

Ask yourself, what will your offering be when you get home? What will you say of your time spent here on earth?

So then, we are always full of good and hopeful and confident courage; we know that while we are at home in the body, we are abroad from the home with the Lord [that is promised us]. 2 Corinthians 5:6

Enjoy this post and playlist? LIKE and SHARE it! For more like it hit the SUBSCRIBE button up top! It’s FREE! Then come and find me on social media under Heaven Happy so we can connect!

Jul82016Jul 8 2016

Pray Love Shine

by Jennifer Vlaicevic, in category Uncategorized

When the increasing weight and harsh realities of this world leave us nearly rocking ourselves to sleep each night, crying in the fetal position, reciting Philippians over and over as if it’s our mantra,

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if ANYTHING IS EXCELLENT or praiseworthy–think about such things,”

friend, I’m here to say,

I… STILL… SEE… LIGHT!!!!

It sits, shining brightly on the corner of Dynamite and Pima Rd. in Scottsdale Arizona. every Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. no matter the conditions.

Vehicles swoosh buy, one by one on this busy, bouldered intersection of the desert. Honking, one after another. Some loud, desperate, drawn out honks, that actually seem to emit their plea and pain. Others, offering friendly honks of Hello and Yes please!

Passer byes; waving, pointing, smiling, peering out windows attempting to make eye contact to express the warmth of a sincere Who would do this? and Thank You! And well, now, let’s be honest, an occasional person passes by flipping the bird!

All people, with one thing in common, well except the one flipping the bird that is, they are all asking for prayer.

Roy Stemple, a retired railroad worker from Chicago, Illinois has set himself up on this corner for eight years now. Just him, a chair, an umbrella for shade, a huge love for God and his sign that reads HONK IF YOU WANT PRAYER.

Repentance is his hearts cry to the world, as he faithfully prays what is put on his heart for each and every person as they honk and rush by.

One man, doing what he can to shine and offer hope in an often dense, dark world.

I don’t know about you, but my heart has been HEAVY these days. Scrolling through social media and looking into the bleak reality of our times tends to do that. Leaving us heart broken and utterly sick about the world our daughters and sons are growing up in.

But we can’t shut our eyes and become one with the unilluminated. We, like Roy Stemple, have to remember to get out and be LIGHT that illuminates our own corner of the world!

We have to PRAY for our passer byes. The people that are coming and going through our life’s story, even the ones that flip us off. ESPECIALLY the ones that flip us off!

Now more than ever the world NEEDS TO SEE YOUR LIGHT! It NEEDS TO RECIEVE YOUR PRAYERS! PRAYER PROVIDES POWER for HEAVEN TO MOVE ON EARTH!

Roy Stemple’s light can only shine so far. My light can only shine so far. But if each and every one of us in our own corners of the world, turned up our LOVE, turned up our LIGHT and POWER that we posses through PRAYER our world, JUST MIGHT GET BRIGHTER!

How can you pray, love and shine light for the people in your own corner of the world today?

Your corner may not be a busy intersection in your town, maybe it’s the platform of social media, maybe it’s in the line at the grocery store, or in your office or school or your home?

How about shining some light on an already bright light in this world? Tell us a story of someone you know doing something good in this world? Little or big, THERE IS NO ACT OF KINDNESS TOO SMALL TO BE SHARED!

Like a dying flame, our hope and healing is fanned back to life in the seeing and hearing of the GOOD that is still alive and burning in this world, it reminds us of the Hope that is here and the Hope that is still to come!

Now go shine BRIGHT beautiful light!

Also, sweet friend in my corner, how can I be praying for you today?

If you enjoyed this story PLEASE LIKE and SHARE! If you’d like to receive more like it hit the SUBSCRIBE button above, then come find me on social media under Heaven Happy!

Jun242016

Waterfall

by Jennifer Vlaicevic, in category Uncategorized

I JUST WANT TO SWIM UNDERNEATH A WATERFALL! My heart screamed loudly, as life’s demands and conditions pounded harshly at me. I was BURNT OUT and craving a vacation, but for the time being, my life was not on The Road to Hana!

Can you relate? Sometimes we JUST NEED A BREAK! We need a breather from it all! Our work, our worries, our responsibilities. We need a change from the mundane, a relief from our titles, our relationships, even from ourselves!

Our soul thirsts for a deep, quenching refreshment of rest and revival! It longs to be doused, drenched, evoked, invigorated, moved and truly AWAKENED to the fullness of life in the Spirit!

So what are we to do when life doesn’t always provide this cascade of renewal?

We find that soul soothing rest in God through His Son Jesus Christ. It is through a relationship with Him (John 14:6) that we enter into the curtain of The Waterfall.

Jesus is our Living Water who refreshes our souls. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find REST (RELIEF and EASE and REFRESHMENT and RECREATION and BLESSED QUIET FOR YOUR SOULS.) Matthew 11:28

That my friends sounds like a vacation! God is that vacation our soul so desires!

No matter where you’re at in your day, whether you find yourself to be overwhelmed or underwhelmed by this world, you can dive into the expanse of His refreshing, life giving, soul cleansing Presence!

God invites you to vacation in His splendor. –Max Lucado

He is everything our soul desires and craves in a sabbatical!

He knows you, He knows what you yearn for right now, in this very moment and He is your Provider. He is your Rest, your Peace, your Strength and your Song. He is the Compassion, Passion and the Companionship we so long for. He is our greatest measure of joy, pleasure and leisure!

No matter where you are at, whether it’s a stressful job or under a mountain of laundry, call on Him! Dive into His depths of Grace! Plunge into The Waterfall and have yourself a vacation! It’s fully paid for!

Cool off from the heat and harsh effects of this world and then, when you’re good and ready, step back into your life, refreshed and renewed!

God has a great plan for you and He wants you to enjoy the ride to the Fall! (John 10:10)

Geronimo!

Enjoy some Waterfall tunes!

**If you enjoyed this post SHARE it! If you want more like it, hit the SUBSCRIBE button!

(Previously posted summer of 2015!)

Jun182016Jun 20 2016

A Shade of Me

by Jennifer Vlaicevic, in category Uncategorized

Summer SHRIEK is the newest rage! At least it is in my house.

I started this particular summer day with my two girls, ages ten and seven, like many others. A SHRIEK OF BLOODY TERROR, SCREAMING from the back of the house, a good old fashioned cuss word from Mom (moi), a drop of a mid rinse toothbrush and an explosion out of my bedroom like I’m an early morning swat team about to raid!

I run like a fierce mama bear down the hallway, half naked with toothpaste spit still all over my mouth, dodging shoes, toys, clothes and a pizza roll (wait! A pizza roll? What’s a pizza roll doing on the floor)? Convinced I’m going to find broken bones, a blood bath or a home made guillotine, I round the corner only to find my oldest, huffing, puffing and stomping off dramatically. While left in her settling dust, is my little in tears.

Two sisters… fighting… getting ready for BIBLE CAMP mind you!

Relieved no one was physically hurt, I wiped the tears and toothpaste spit away and asked what was the matter? Seems my little was picking out a PINK headband to go with her PINK shirt she was wearing. When my oldest observed this clearly life altering decision her sister was about to make, she felt obligated to voice, your shirt is ORANGE, why don’t you pick out an ORANGE headband?

Enter in THE SUMMER SHRIEK!

I saw in each of their tiny, red, flushed and flustered faces as I attempted to console, that they were clearly both very hurt and frustrated more than anything, at the lack of understanding. The fact that the other was truly not SEEING what they were so plainly seeing themselves. PINK and ORANGE.

I tried to calmly articulate to each of them, that neither of them were exactly wrong. That we were all created uniquely and individually in the image of God. That when one is experiencing something, it’s being filtered through the lens of her heart, her set of eyes, all of her thoughts and emotions. It’s not wrong, it’s just her unique expression of experience. It’s how she is honestly perceiving it. And vice versa.

This shined LIGHT for me. Which I might say, is not always easy to receive when you’re sittin’ pretty in the dark.

Like my daughters, I too, have been deeply hurt by others incapacity to comprehend. I have been frustrated to the point of sickness, sleepless nights and tears. I’ve felt I have been completely misunderstood, wrongly judged and just not seen or heard accurately.

I’m sure you too have felt this at times. We all have. We all at one time or another in life, have and will experience the draining defeat and heartache of division in vision. We’ve experienced it in our hearts, our homes, our communities, our country and our world.

It’s painfully real.

But may we step back for a moment. Breathe deeply and create space for Grace and insight. Seeing, that maybe, just maybe in between all the tears, sharp, hurtful, wounding words, snubs, jabs and snares, that just possibly, It’s not about right or wrong necessarily, but authentic perception.

And isn’t it true that this same remarkable authenticity births not only division in our world but also the beauty and culture we so enjoy? Personal perspective permits us to look at a painting or listen to a lyric and be inspired or changed or blessed by a fresh set of eyes, a different point view, a refreshing revelation.

In order for us to gather all the good that comes from our individuality, I guess, we must too make room for the hard stuff. The butting of heads. The huffing and puffing and stomping off. The tears.

Maybe, we realize that at times, there may be a shade of you and a shade of me that we are just unable to see. And that’s alright.

Let the lens of LOVE and TRUTH however, always be our answer and always be our finality, when I happen to see PINK and you happen to see ORANGE.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Frankly, I thought the shirt was a peachy – pink myself. Just saying.

If you enjoyed this post and playlist please, hit LIKE and SHARE, if you want more like it hit the SUBSCRIBE button, then come find me under Heaven Happy on social media! PEACE LOVELY!