Be Intentional about the Little Things
By Sharon W. Betters
Today’s Treasure
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Dear Friends,
Before I introduce you to this week’s guest writer, Jenny Marcelene, I want to tell you how we met. Ann Swindell, founder of Writing with Grace, joined me on the Help & Hope podcast to talk about her new book, The Path to Peace. (Go get her book – you won’t be disappointed!). Ann talked about the moment she declared, “I didn’t sign up for this!” and how disappointment after disappointment pulled her down into a pit of despair. Ann’s message that day is that there is a pathway to peace promised to God’s people. We also talked a bit about her writing courses and I told her I wished I had them when I was younger. Ann encouraged me that it’s never too late to keep learning!
A few months later I asked Ann if she would recommend some of her students as guest writers for Daily Treasure. She immediately responded by sending me the names of Jenny Marcelene and Rosann Coulon. Both Jenny and Rosann accepted the invitation and this week you will be encouraged by Jenny’s writing. I stopped by Jenny’s website (jennymarcelene.com) to get to know her a bit and loved what I found. Jenny welcomes visitors with these words:
“Welcome to my corner of the world! I'm Jenny! I'm so glad you swung by today!
I want to come alongside families to cultivate a biblical worldview to shine the gospel across the street and around the world.”
The more I learned, the more I wished Jenny and I could enjoy a long walk filled with conversations about Jesus and our shared passion for coming alongside others with the message of redemption. Jenny goes on to explain her mission:
“Shaping a biblical worldview in our families can be difficult. Finding resources to guide our kids can take time. And trying to add yet another item to our to-do list can feel like too much.
Even though we know God desires all people to know Him (Isa. 49:6), pursuing global-minded discipleship of our children can be challenging. I used to struggle to consistently disciple my children well in this area, but I discovered when I took intentional small steps, God's greatness settled into my boys' hearts in powerful ways.
We can incorporate simple habits to pursue God's greatness as a family. We can purposefully seek ways to learn more of God's greatness through exploring cultures across the globe and uncovering how God is at work there.
With a dash of intentionality, we can fulfill our role as the primary disciplers of our kids and guide our families in developing a global worldview grounded in Scripture. It doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated and we can tweak it to fit our family's rhythms.
Together we can teach our kids about God's greatness and how to navigate worldviews that don't align with our own without fear.” (Jennymarcelene.com)
Jenny’s Daily Treasure devotionals reflect her belief that being intentional about “little things” can draw us deeper into the heart of Jesus and cultivate a sense of wonder and joy that turns our hearts away from ourselves toward Him and then to others. On Wednesday Jenny focuses on one of my favorite Scriptures:
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
I never thought about the message of this Scripture in the way Jenny described it. Throughout this week, Jenny will encourage you to take notice of those little things that really are the big things.
It’s such a privilege to share writers like Jenny with you. Take time to get to know Jenny through her website and make sure to share her devotionals with others.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
More free resources for help, hope, and healing:
MARKINC seeks to help men and women grow in their faith so that they are better equipped to face the trials and suffering that they will encounter in life. In His Grip is the preaching and teaching ministry of Dr. Chuck F. Betters from 45+ years in church ministry. Click to learn more about In His Grip
About The Author: Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Sunday, 25 August 2024.
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