Brenda's Blog

Aug 24, 2024

Our world is filled with many troubles and cares,

Lives filled with fears, pain, and what a heart bears.

Peace like a river our earnest prayers often plead,

We empty hearts to our Almighty Father of the need.

Yet do we quiet to listen for His call or His voice?

The invitation to come to Him is the only real choice.

To our Loving Father leaving it all in His hands.

Releasing the turmoil and doubt, He understands.

Come rest beside the still peaceful waters.

Is His beckons to his sons and daughters,

To come, to sit with Him for a while,

for time has been hard, each step a trial.

In His presence, to stop and listen for a time,

To refresh for the journey and the next hill to climb.

To hear His voice and to sit by the peaceful river,

Our source of strength is God who is the life giver.

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August 6, 2024

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When one is grieving

• It’s the loss,

• The deep pain within the heart,

• The person is gone,

• The hole that is left,

• The vacuum they left,

• The relationship is gone,

• The empty chair where they should be,

• The place that they had in your life,

• No new pictures with them,

• No new memories with them,

• No more phone calls,

• Not hearing their voice,

• No new events with them,

• No texts,

• No postings,

• No sharing of experiences,

• Not feeling the touch of their hand,

• Not seeing their face,

• Those are some of the pieces and parts of grieving.

Grief Is Hard

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IF ONLY

If only, oh, if only, I had done this or that,

If only buzzes around me like a gnat.

If only, I had just one more chance,

If only, I had just one more glance.

If only, shouts at me day and night,

If only, steals my hope and fight.

If only, to hear or touch once more,

If only, to see them walk in the door.

If only, pours on painful regret,

If only lies trapping my life like debt.

If only, deceives and destroys my todays,

If only, hides the truth from me in a haze.

If only, tries to take control of me,

If only, distorts the view of reality.

If only, a weapon to destroy my peace,

If only, deaf to my constant cries and pleas.

If only, has no power to change the past,

If only, ruins the joys in life that last.

If only, can be stopped one way,

To know the truth and not to sway.

The Father God knows all things

From its creation beginnings.

He numbers our times and our days,

Our peace comes from knowing His ways.

To trust in the Lord quiets the noise,

That the if only wants to destroy.

Our Lord is my refuge where I retreat,

That is where the If only is ceased.

Bcj 7/2024         

Sunday

Sunday after Sunday we go to church

and sit in the same familiar pew.

This broken world needs us to share our faith,

but the laborers are few.

We come to sing, say a little prayer,

and hear a message from the good book.

Each morning, out the door to work, to school,

and to play, but never take a look.

Do I realize that what I have by grace

is so much more than I deserve?

Yet, the people who are wayward, wounded,

and weary I do not observe.

The message has the power to transform lives

and to break every chain,

A new life waits for those who accept salvation

and believe in His Name.

My life is too busy, times are too hard,

they won’t listen, or I don’t know,

I can’t, I won’t, I don’t, I’m afraid, and I couldn’t,

are all excuses to say no.

Another day passes as lives are not touched,

never to hear the message of the cross.

We pass them on the streets, in a store, in offices,

perhaps even our boss.

The mothers, sons, daughters, fathers,

sisters, friends, neighbors, and brothers

Storekeepers, clerks, nurses, doctors,

the troubled, the sick, and so many others.

Who hears the call that will go

to tell of forgiveness,

grace, and mercy?

Where would I be if a person had not

shared salvation with me?

Time grows short, too many believe

that hope for them is out of reach.

The words of love and salvation for them,

who will speak and teach?

Forgiveness, healing, restoration, mercy, love,

and grace all await,

those who hear, believe, and trust,

a new life and purpose it creates.

The Lord calls out to his children, who will go,

my messenger, to be?

Who will make known my love, freedom,

and life eternal with me?

Yet Sunday after Sunday we go to church

and sit in the same familiar pew.

This broken world needs us to share our faith,

but the laborers are few.

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Brenda Carroll Jarvis  7/20/2024

Sacrifice of Praise

Even though you hold me in those moments of utter despair,

 My heart stings from the sharp reminder that he is no longer there.

Your embrace holds my heart and all the broken pieces,

Your presence and peace reveal the depth of love it reaches.

Today, I was surprised, you asked me a difficult request,

I felt your divine call to surrender to this important test.

I asked the Lord please give me the strength to make this hard choice.

A gentle peace that calmed me, a warmth surrounded me like your voice.

I heard you speak to me, “Bring me your sacrifice of praise,

For in those moments, your heart will heal, and your spirit raise.

Bring me your heart that is broken and filled with pain

I will give your heart comfort and peace will remain.”

Praise each day, surrender it all to my care,

Praise will be my healer, for I am with my Savior there.

I will praise you because you hold time in your hands,

I will praise you; I can trust your wisdom and your plans.

I will praise you; it is your presence my spirit needs,

I will praise you; I extol all your wondrous deeds.

I will praise you; I will declare to everyone what you have done for me

I will praise you when I stand alone or when others see.

 I will praise you in the morning in the noonday or the dark of night,

I will praise you it is where strength begins and makes my heart light.

I will obey you as you make this request of me,

I bring the sacrifice of praise, and a worshipper I will be.

Brenda Carroll Jarvis wrote -6/24/2024

Another poem to express my feelings

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Today

I will remember the promise of the sunrise given to me each day I have a fresh start.

Last night ended the darkness, today’s morning’s light has the hope to impart.

I will do my best not to bring yesterday’s sorrow and pain into my new day,

Open my eyes to the wonders around me, help me to see joy along the way.

My memories of you and the time that we shared will forever be a part of me.

The grief and sorrow don’t change the truth, it only fills my heart with agony.

Each new day that God has given to me, I will choose to honor you,

I will share the joy that you gave to me and to all those that you knew.

I will laugh, to remember your laughter, I will smile, to you remember your smile.

I will live on, so everyone knows how special you were, and lived with style.

Today is a new start for me to show how your life affected mine,

As I live and love, smile and laugh, to share your legacy, I’ll shine.

There might be a tear fall here and there as I learn to live without you,

Even so, I will move forward, with each sunrise and morning’s dew.

July is my birthday month, each year I am surprised at how old I am getting.

I am nearing the 70-year marker, I am more aware now than ever.

     My stamina is less, and so is my strength.

      Getting on the floor requires planning, on how to get up! I know that there is work ahead for me to do. I pray that I finish strong!

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July 1, 2024​

My Friends, I have not visited this site for a while. The past five weeks have been the most difficult time in my life, with the death of my grandson.

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Through these days I am reminded again that you make every day count, tell people that you love them when you can.

Because you don’t know when the last time you will be with them

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​I wrote this Poem while I processed the news of my grandson's death.

IF YOU NEED...

In these days of intense pain, sorrow, and grief,

Our lives are shattered and struggling through disbelief.

Many kindly say, “If you need anything, let me know.”

It is hard to think of what is needed, my thinking is so slow.

What I need, or what I want, are things no man can do.

My heart stirs to know the only one with the heavenly view.

Instantly, I know what to ask for from those who deeply care.

My voice says pleading. “Please my friend we need prayer”!

It is God, who knows our past, present, and unknown days ahead.

Pray for our hearts, that the balm of Gilead is spread.

Prayers for our family, to learn anew how to live.

Prayers for hope, peace, mercy, and to forgive.

Pray for our decisions, plans to make, guide and direct,

Ask for wisdom, divine guidance, and His hand to protect.

My dear friend, you ask what you can do, what is our need,

Pray for us, we are lost in the pain, we need the Lord to lead.

Prayer is the most urgent request that could ever be made,

Soon the pain will ease, the comfort felt, all because you prayed.

Brenda Carroll Jarvis

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Hope

Some might think it comes flying on a wing,

Others wait for it like flowers in late spring.

Some believe it’s as fragile as a vapor.

Or is easily lost as dreams on crumpled paper.

True hope is found at the endless well,

It’s where all the treasures of God dwell.

Draw from His well all that you need,

Listen for His voice then follow His lead.

Hope gives dreams to a weary dry heart,

And then a new desire to try and start.

It brightens the day and lightens a load,

Then each step is easier on life’s road.

Hope from the Father inspires the dream,

And the wisdom to know on whom we lean.

So, if you have lost your hope, along the way,

Return to His plentiful well, please don’t delay.

It is there, everything to refresh and renew,

To find new hope that is just for you.

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There are two new books in the shop, written by my grandfather. They are stories of life in the ministry for over 70 years.

My grandparents lived through the Depression, a flood, the many challenges of ministry,  and raising a family. 

Galatians 5:24 ESV

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

The truth of this verse confronts me, to be honest with myself. Have I crucified the flesh? If passions and desires rule me then I have to admit that it is not. Lord, I ask you to help me to crucify my flesh.

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HOW DOES THIS VERSE EFFECT YOU?

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BITTERNESS

Bitterness is devious

and ravenous,

as it quietly works in secret,

while it feeds the hurts,

the misunderstandings

and defeats in life.

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Bitterness taints

the intentions of others,

and clouds the joys of life.

It works in damaging relationships,

and opportunities in life.

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Bitterness is a root that is hidden,

as it extends its domain

into the heart.

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It grows in power and control,

unless forgiveness intervenes.

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Forgiveness is the antidote,

from its devastation.

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Forgiveness is a powerful tool,

that destroys its very roots.

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The peace of forgiveness,

restores a joy for life.

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The hope from forgiveness brightens the shadows

left from bitterness.

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Forgiveness opens the heart,

to love, mercy, grace and peace.

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It changes the vision and future,

it plants hope

and joy to the heart.

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Forgiveness is a choice,

and must be remembered

each and every day.

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The Lord is the source,

of perfect forgiveness,

and it is our greatest need.

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Let us make the choice

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for freedom

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TODAY IS VALENTINE’S DAY

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 A DAY ABOUT LOVE

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A day for expressing our love to our family, sweethearts, friends, spouse, and those around us.

We can often overuse the word love, can’t we?

We say we love sweets, jobs, sports, hunting, and music.

But is it the same love as for your family members?

What about the love you have for your spouse?

Or your friends?  Your pets?  Your job?

Your Savior?

So where does this love come from?

As we think about this day, do we love with pure love?

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From the familiar chapter of I Corinthians 13 in the CEV version

13 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains?
I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive?  I would gain nothing, unless I loved others. 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. 9 We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. 10 But what is perfect will someday appear,
and what isn't perfect will then disappear. 11 When we were children, we thought and reasoned
as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. 12 Now all we can see of God
is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything,
but then we will, just as God completely understands us. 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

I hope that today, we take a moment to express our love to those who are important to us.

And may they know that they are loved with a pure love that comes from God our Heavenly Father.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2024

THANKFUL FOR YOU CHALLENGE

There have been many people in my life, from family, childhood, school, work, church, relationships made through shared activities, and many others who have been in my life.

Some have been for a lifetime, others came and went, others because of distance, and life changes, and some interests changed, and we drifted apart.

Many of these people are very special people to me, who have had a tremendous impact and influence on my life.

Over the past few years, I have been able to reconnect with some people that I had lost contact with so many years ago. They were people that I grew up with, from school, friends from 20-30-40, yes even 50 years ago.

I realize that I have been given the opportunity to let those people who have made an impact on my life, how grateful I am for them.

I would like to challenge you, to take time to tell them  know how thankful you are for them, what a blessing they are, and how important they are.

Write them a note, give them a call, but don’t wait, we all know that we are never promised a tomorrow.

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Window of Choices

January 1, 2024

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The Sixth Pane of the Window of Choices

Is to Not  Give up!

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If you have worked through this process of preparing for the new year, this is the final windowpane. As you continue in your relationship with the Lord, I know that the Lord will lead you to other topics to study and pray about.

Rededicating your life to the Lord is a daily process some days will be easier than others.

The important thing is to spend time talking with the Lord every day, to get to know the Lord better.

As well as trying to read the Bible every day.

And to realize, there is a battle of stopping old habits and beginning new ones.

Going to God first for guidance and help.

Trying to do things that will help you get closer to the Lord.

If you stumble and fall – Don’t Give Up! 

Remember I John 1:9 9 But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.

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Then start again…. Keep at it… it will get easier.  It is the best pathway for life.

If this series has helped you, could you send an email to Brendavotions@gmail.com and tell me how?

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The Window of Choices

The Pane of The Window Of Choices Is Rededication.

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Tomorrow there will be another Window Pane.

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December 15, 2023

The holiday season is full of cheery music in all the stores, and the anticipation of parties and gatherings of family and friends brings joy to many.

However, the Lord reminded me, that the holidays can be a struggle for others. Some might be experiencing the first holiday without their loved one, Or for some, the music stirs memories of hurts from long ago. It could be that finances or health situations have caused the season not to be a merry one.

I asked that we remember to pray for those who are struggling through the season and reach out to let them know you care.

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DECEMBER 14 2023

The holiday season can create the opportunity to heal relationships, as we remember the cost of God the Father sending His Only Son to Heal our relationship with Him.

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"Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends. It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love." - Fred Rogers

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

Days get busier more to do, more demands on us, less time to stop and reflect on the many blessings that we have.

We has the risen Savior, sitting at the right hand of God interceding for us.

He know the difficulties and the battles that are all around us each and every day. I hope that through these days of Thanksgiving that you take a moment or two to reflect on the Love of The Savior Jesus Christ.

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​OCTOBER 5, 2023

Have you ever had to figure something out, with little to no help. For me, I am not opposed to reading directions, or looking things up on the internet. but for me I need to see it along with the instructions.  Often times I am struggling with a  pattern, computer program or other things that require careful instructions. 

How many times do we struggle, spend time trying with no success, only to have someone show you how-- they they make it look so easy.

I am reminded again, that God has given us His word to help guide us through life not matter how hard or complicated things get. 

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SEPT 30, 2023

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Since I was  notified that the book has gone to print, I felt like a child at waiting for Christmas. I was notified yesterday that the book was to be uploaded up on to publisher's web store. I checked periodically to see if it was there. Each time I check I was disappointed,

until this morning, and it is there!

Click the red PDF to read an excerpt of the book.

The green button take you where you can view the book and purchase it. OR go to the SHOP PAGE.

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Sept 29, 2023

In the midst of the excitement of the coming book, there are common daily things that require my energy and attention. Things like meals, laundry and cleaning still wait for me don't they?  I began to reflect on that and I believe that God reminded me of an important concept. As God is bringing a dream to reality, in the midst, I must not neglect the daily things that brought me to this place.

• Daily meals with with Lord, to search out His word, then to allow it to feed my spirit.

• Laundry is to remember that it is His righteousness that covers me, that my goodness is as filthy rags. I need to make sure that I put on His grace, mercy, love, peace, patience and all that comes through Jesus.

• I need to clean every day, the influences of the world can get in us. Relationships can cause wrong thoughts and action. I need make sure that the Lord and I are keeping my thoughts clean and pure.

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Lord I pray that I not forget the daily meals, laundry and cleaning of my life.

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Sept. 25, 2023

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Coming Soon

It began with a challenge, a gift and a dream. It has been nine years in the making,

with frustrating starts and stops,

disruptions, postponements,

and long hours

of work and prayer and reworking

and more prayer.

It is finally done! It is now in production.

It will be available very soon.

My Book:

Biblical Women of Influence

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