About the Author

Jennifer is an artist living in rural Nebraska with her US Army veteran husband. She loves to create and seeks to reflect the beauty of Christ and encourage others in meaningful, beautiful ways. You can find her and see more of her art on Studio JRU.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Jennifer,
    I am a worrier as well. Having an anxiety disorder doesn’t help, either. Oh Oliver…I love his big soulful and loving eyes! I would have brought him home in an instant as well!! Can you tell I’m a dog lover?? You are right, God doesn’t want us to miss out on life because of fear and anxiety. He promises us His wonderful and all-surpassing peace when we take hold of His righteous right hand and step out in faith. Praying, along with you, that this year I can, in God’s strength, step out more in faith and less in fear. Help us to keep our eyes and minds fixed on what is pure, lovely, and true. Thanks for the encouragement this am and give Oliver a loving hug from me…welcome!
    Blessings,
    Bev

  2. Jennifer, thank you for this deep encouragement today. It lifts my heart as I go through a deep season of healing and loneliness to be reminded to keep my focus on the One who loves me without end and calls me to have faith in Him, His timing, and His plan. May He bless you and your family each day in HIs grace :0

  3. Jennifer, these words as Mary commented, are a timely reminder for me as well. Thank you.

  4. Thank you Jennifer, enjoyed reading this article very much! Oliver will bring another loving chapter of companionship in your life you won’t regret! Thank God you did it!

  5. Thank you for your post! I am a worrier too, but I have made a commitment to live the life God gives us in the present and not worry about the things I cannot control. Congratulations on your new pet. They never take the place of the one before, but they all have a way of making us feel better when we need it.

    Blessings,
    Jennifer

  6. Hi Jennifer. Remember in the movie Jerry Maguire when Renee’s character says to Jerry, “you had me at hello!” Well, you had me at Oliver’s photo. 🙂 Oh, those sweet eyes! Congratulations on the newest addition to your family. No doubt, he will bring so much joy to you all. Dogs are such a rich blessing. Thank you, this was wonderful encouragement this morning. I also struggle with worry, and each day He patiently shows me that He is faithful and that His timing is perfect. God bless.

  7. Jennifer,
    I’m sorry about the loss of your companion, I know how devastating that can be. I’m glad that you decided to get Oliver so he can have a loving home, you never know where he’d be if you hadn’t.
    Whenever I let my worries go and trust them with the Lord I can feel that sense of peace come over me, like the calm after the storm, so comforting.
    Thank-you for reminding us, ‘Do not be afraid for God is with us’.

    Penny

  8. Worry and fear are so often defended as “discernment.” We need to get over ourselves.
    And, when Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid,” the right response is “OK, thanks,” … not… “I’ll just check, because, you know, you might have missed something.”
    God is so so big. Shame on us for doubting His power and His love.
    And, BTW – I’m looking right square in the mirror as I write this.
    Love to you, my sisters…xoxox

  9. Jennifer, what a great post. I confess, I tend to be a worrier too. One verse God gave me years ago was Philippians 4:8. That whole thinking on whatever is true? Yeah, that was the part of the verse I camped on for months. Memorizing the verse, thinking through what it meant, and where my thoughts should be.

    I loved your thoughts here. We can’t dwell on the what if’s that fear tries to implant in our thoughts. We need to hand them over to the Lord and trust Him to take care of us. I needed this reminder today. Thank you.

  10. There is always someone or something who needs our love. I think everybody is concerned about getting a new dog. But God would rather His children care for a pet rather that shelter. Losing my poodle Cozy, was hard. I believe Jesus was there with her when I could not be. He sister, Candy, lived to be 15, I rocked her and asked Jesus to take her at 1:30 a.m. on Labor Day, He did. We have a sweet Yorkie named Kol, she kneels to pray. I taught the poodles, but,she just knew. I have to agree, fear and worry is not discernment. Knowing Jesus came to die and conquered death is wisdom. Only that love conquers fear….the devil kills,steals and destroys. Jesus took back Adam’s authority and gives it to us. Death was was never God’s idea, mercy was. Keep loving those little gifts from God.

  11. Hi, Jennifer! I saw that picture of your baby pooch and I just had to read your article. I know exactly how you feel. I am a worrier, too. The Lord has really been patiently working with me about it. It’s hard sometimes especially when you’re wired that way. I keep trying. * In March of 2015, we had to put our beagle named Monster to sleep. (Monster was indicative of the puppy that he was. ha-ha) I know it’s easy to say,”Well, he was 13 and a half years old,” when he was more than just a dog. Era mi nino. He was my little boy. The day that I made the decision that the time had come, he kept following me through the house as if wanting to make eye contact with me. He always had a way of communicating with me that way. I refused to because I felt like I was betraying him, making calls to the vet to arrange the process. I finally started crying and turned to look him in the eyes. It was as if he was telling me, “Mama, I don’t feel good. Help me, mama.” I held him through the whole process until life left his little body. We had him buried in our back yard, at home with us, where he belongs.
    I cry as I write these words. He was more than a pet. HE WAS MY LITTLE BOY. HE WAS MY CHILD. I still cry and I miss him every day. I say my prayers out in my backyard so every night I talk to him. He used to stand out there with me as I prayed and he still does now. Our neighbor’s dog, as cute as he may be, wandered into our yard when we left the gate open and my anxiety went through the roof! I went into panic mode because all I wanted was for him to leave, to get out, to get away from my little boy’s yard. I wanted no other dog near me or near my little boy’s gravesite. When the dog left, I cried. I cried at New Year’s Eve, too. Just like 2015 was slipping out of my hands forever, it was taking my Gordo (nickname) with it.
    Maybe one day I will love again. For right now, I can’t.