Janelle M.

Today, Janelle speaks to us about re-exploring familiar Bible passages, a trip that changed her life, and her devotional time in her hammock.

Janelle M.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: So, I grew up in Northern NY, close to the border of Canada. It’s really beautiful, there. In the summer, I would pretty much spend my days outside with my pony, or making up some crazy game with my sister. I’m the oldest in my family.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: I love Psalm 119:147-153.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Trusting the Lord. He is definitely strengthening me in that area. Learning to trust Him with my future and having Joy in the waiting!

Profession: You could call me an adventurer. Actually, I don’t have a profession, per se. I work as a part time secretary and have a couple side hustles, but I’m not sure what I want to pursue at this point.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? How traveling opened up my eyes to Jesus.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I invited Jesus into my life when I was 8 or 9, but over the past 3 years, God has been showing me His power. I went to Africa a few years ago, during that time God really spoke to me in a personal way I had never experienced before. It was amazing! Over there, there is no gray area. It’s black and white. Good and evil. I realized very quickly how much I needed God’s protection over myself. That desperate need for Jesus. You never forget something like that.

“Over there, there is no gray area. It’s black and white. Good and evil. I realized very quickly how much I needed God’s protection over myself.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Prayer and being in the Word, constantly. I’m a pretty unscheduled person, so it’s easy for me to “skip” my devotions, but I’ve been trying to be more consistent, because Jesus is really who I’m living for.

“I’m a pretty unscheduled person, so it’s easy for me to ‘skip’ my devotions, but I’ve been trying to be more consistent, because Jesus is really who I’m living for.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): So, I am currently reading The Great House of God, by Max Lucado. It’s amazing! I love learning to look at familiar passages with new eyes and discovering deeper truth!

“I love learning to look at familiar passages with new eyes and discovering deeper truth!”

Top three essentials: Coffee. essential oils. a book to read.

How did God speak to you recently? I find it fascinating how passages in the Bible that you’ve read hundreds of times suddenly become so new and beautiful! This happened to me the other day. I saw a scripture in a new light. It was perfect for what I was asking God to help me with a few moments earlier!!

Hobby: Traveling. Honestly, there are few things that I enjoy better than exploring this beautiful world.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: 1) PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. If you want to grow in Christ, you HAVE to spend time in His presence. Every day. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “to pray without ceasing.” That means continual prayer, continually seeking God’s presence!

2) You have to have Gods word as well as prayer. Staying in the word is just as vital as praying. you can’t have one without the other.

3) Being open to what God wants you to do. Sometimes, it can be hard and frightening to step out of your comfort zone, but if you don’t, how will God ever teach you how to rely on Him?

Favorite person in scripture? Ahh this is hard, there are so many amazing people! Maybe, Ruth. Her story of faith and trust in God is incredible.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? That He is faithful.

How do you leave your mark on your community? To grow deeper in Christ you have to have a strong prayer life and this is something that I would love to come alongside of people and help and encourage them in.

Favorite holiday? Summer!

A goal you have? To daily dwell in God’s presence.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: SO every Christmas my family sits down with tons of food and watches It’s a Beautiful Life.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I don’t think I’ll have any questions. I mean just getting to see Jesus face to face. WOW.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: People die every day without knowing Jesus. Let’s not be afraid to get outside of out comfort zone and share the news that Jesus loves them!

What does your morning routine consist of? I usually try and get up around 7, although now that it’s summer that’s not been happening as often. I make myself a cup of coffee or tea, and go have devotions outside in my hammock.

“I make myself a cup of coffee or tea, and go have devotions outside in my hammock.”

What is on your nightstand? Ugh lots of stuff, but probably my Bible, facial cream, plants, a cup of tea or coffee, and a few other random things.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Believing that Jesus is the Son of God, who rose from the dead, conquering sin, death, and the grave!

For more Janelle:

Instagram: @exploring_boldlove
Blog: The Ramblings of a Bookworm

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO