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About Me

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Janine Claire Robinson
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Welcome to my little writing corner. I count my many blessings to be a cherished wife and an ever-learning-loving-growing mother to 3 amazing children this side of Heaven and a precious little boy in Heaven. Together as a family we pastor a precious church community called Redeeming Hope Church. I've had the privilege of loving and following Jesus Christ since my earliest memories as a child. No matter what I've gone through in life, He has always been so present. At heart, I'm an encourager ... so this is a place where I get to wear my heart on my sleeve and share my journey of learning to live a life of love in action.

Sucker punched!

I had one of those profound moments today in the middle of doing some month end reports. I was plugging away at my reports, whilst listening to the girls in the background. Tianna (my eldest) was helping Angelee do some homework worksheets. (How I got the girls to do homework in the holidays is another story all together ;0) - hee hee). I was so struck by how encouraging and patient she was with her little sister. She would sweetly explain what to do when her little sis got stuck and she kept cheering her on every time she got something right. There was no irritation or frustration. They were actually having so much fun together doing homework?! Shocking, right! My heart swelled with mama pride at the new light I saw my big girl in. She has such a beautiful way of teaching little children. Then a thought sucker punched me. I used to be like that when I was a child, but somewhere along the line of growing up and becoming a responsible, busy adult I learned how to worry. I learned how to loose the sweetness of a fun-filled moment by becoming irritable or frustrated. My eyes opened to how tired I become because of the pace of my life at times. I rush around the kids doing so much "stuff" as a homemaker. Homework isn't always fun for me. As I listened to how easily Angelee was responding to her big sisters praise, patience and encouragement I realised how sweet this time should and could be. How had I learned how to worry and stress so much? It is actually a thief! A sweet-memory-making thief!
No wonder Jesus spoke so strongly against worry. How many verses in the Bible talk about worry, anxiety and fear? There are so many! All of a sudden it hit home for me today. Worry steals from you and tries to change who you are. It steals the simple joys out of so many sweet memories that could be made, because we become so busy stressing about the "cares of this world". I am so thankful that God is so committed to molding and shaping my life and for revealing areas of continual growth for me to still bloom and blossom in. I love the ways that He reveals truth to my heart ... so often through my precious children.
Thank you Tianna (my "little bear") for helping mommy see today that in worrying about the small stuff, I am most probably going to be missing out on a darn good memory! Your patient and playful example showed me what Jesus meant when He said "Be anxious for nothing ...". There are such sweet and beautiful memories waiting to be made even in our every day living at home and I for one am going to keep choosing and learning how not to let worry steal from me anymore.
All my love xxx
Janine 

Comments

Anonymous said…
Wow Jan - I often think back to the "old days" when life was so simple and I had plenty of patience. Thank you for reminding me that kindness, patience and sweet attitude is a choice and no matter how irritated or presurred we are being a business person, wife, mother, housekeeper etc - it is our choice how we interact with people (and our attitude wiLl determine how we repond). It warms my heart when our children can teach us how to be better.
Lynne said…
Awaome Janine! Good food for thought.
That's just beautiful Jan!!!! Working with kids for the past 5yrs - i've learnt too how easily they 'forgive'.

Even after disciplining a kid and sometimes raising my voice... the very next day their arms are wide open and they've forgotten about the day before. Even though I didn't have to get angry - that huge hug they freely give, is like God saying 'I've forgotten about it, now come here so I can love you some more' :)

Kids are definitely AMAZING!
Yours are incredible!

PS (Last i saw you Tianna was still in your tummy and you were writing beautiful things in your baby book for her) Golly, has time flown!!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said…
Morning precious Janine,

I so loved reading your blog this week, but especially this morning!
My mom, who never knew the Lord, always said that I was a “born worrier” and you know, that stuck with me most of my life. It was only when I came to the Lord that I realised what a curse that was on my life. I still can tend to fall back into that, but on the whole I have learnt to lean on Jesus. You just reminded me of that stolen time and how far I’ve come. Thanks my dear precious Janine for continuing to speak into my life, and the lives of many others.

Love you soooooo much
Bob
Miss Janet said…
The thief only comes to steel, kill, and destroy. Worry gets us out of "faith." Without faith, "it is impossible to please God."

May you be blessed with a NEW faith. An overcoming faith. A peaceful faith. A seed of faith that grows into a strong tree that the birds come and rest on. It is a faith that is strong and helps others.

Your faith is amazing!

Janet
Carol F said…
Oh My...what a wonderful blog!! Yes, I remember your earlier years, but just to say you STILL have the sweetest, sincere heart of love & patience & we are all so impacted by your love, my Darling Girl.
Love you Always,
Forever,
Mom XXXXX
Thank you Janet. I appreciate every one of those prayers. That is what has carried my heart.
And my mom ... you have always been my greatest encourager. I LOVE you so much xxx

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