Delightful Words

Ever since I first learned how, I have loved to read. My room is filled with books – biographies, theological works, ethics textbooks – ear-marked, tear-stained copies of my favorite literature. Emma flips open to Mr. Knightley’s proposal of its own accord -Jane Eyre does the same for Mr. Rochester’s first declaration -I am in desperate need of a new copy of Wuthering Heights. Just this morning, I was scouring the internet for the source of two lines of Keats that have been singing in my head for two weeks -when I found it, I read it no less than five times, cherishing every lyrical phrase.

I love words. I love the power that they have to communicate ideas. In fact, one of the reasons I love to write is because I grew up appreciating the words of others -from William Shakespeare to John Steinbeck to Harper Lee to hundreds of other authors in between. The other day, though, I ran across a Bible verse that reminded me of the most important words for a woman of virtue to cherish:

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” ~Jeremiah 15:16

What sweet words to mediate on! Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart. To read God’s Word, to cherish his commandments (1 John 5:4), to impart them to others through word (1 Peter 3:15) and deed (Philippians 1:27-28), to apply them to our lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17) should be the height of our joy, the peak of delight.

I’m reminded today – even in the midst of my love for a good poem or a fantastic work of literature – that no words can compare to the power, beauty, and truth encompassed in God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12). Oh, that the pages of my Bible should be tear-stained, highlighted, ear-marked, and cherished far more than any other book I own. And may I only cherish those other works to the degree that they glorify my King. May the same be said for my sisters in Christ – may we delight in the words of the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, who died as a ransom for our sins (John 1:1-5), and may our words reflect our understanding of his truths (Proverbs 31:26).

Jasmine from Joyfully at Home


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God Loves You!

It’s getting closer to Easter.  It is my favorite time of year, even more so than Christmas.

My seven year old got her present early this year.

Not from the Easter bunny.  I’m afraid we don’t do that our house.

We celebrate the most wonderful time of the year turning our hearts and our minds to the truth.

So what did she get?  Well a new bible… not really new — one I’ve had for about 4 years now; one that I’ve prayed over and read out of, asking God to bless it as she reads it.

I want to share part of my inscription to her with you:

To Miss H

May you know that God loves you so much that He was willing to leave heaven and die for you.

You are so precious in his sight.

We pray that you will remember the truth because without God all else is nothing.

You are truly a gift from God.  Please don’t ever forget that. …

I want my children to know how much God gave up for them.  I mean truly understand that He as a parent loved His Son and gave him up.

He loves my children more than I do (which is hard to believe is even possible!)  I want her to know that she is truly loved and never alone.

And you too my sisters.

This inscription to my daughter is for you as well. 

May you know that God loves you so much He was willing to leave heaven and die for you… yes you.

You are so precious in His sight.  I pray that you remember this truth because without God all else is nothing.

You truly are a blessed and loved gift from God.

Please please don’t forget that!


Learning His Grace,
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God…who are You & what can You do for me? Session 6 from Jenifer Jernigan on Vimeo.
“God…who are You & what can You do for me?” Session 6 study guide download
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We belong to ONE body, each a fragrant bud, unique in the body.
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As Women at The Well, we are much more fragrant when we come together in Christ.

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