Alexandra J.

Today, Alexandra speaks to us about how God speaks to her through her children, some books to add to your list, and her wellness goals.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I grew up in Midland Texas memorizing Bible verses for Awanas, eating a weeknight dinner at First Baptist Church, doing gymnastics and soccer, and attending Kanakuk camp during the summer. I was one of four children and life was busy and loud, but full of love and Jesus.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Psalm 63:3 is my current go-to Bible verse that I find a sense of joy and gratitude from: “Because your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” God’s love is truly better than life or anything this world has to offer. Through highs and lows in life, we can rely on God’s lovingkindness, his steadfast “hesed” love to uplift us and give us a lantern to carry until the sun rises.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: My spiritual growth focus right now is digging deeper into scripture through memorization and practical application, answering questions about what I read in terms of God’s character, and scriptural correlations, and noticing traces of Jesus in the Old and New Testament.

Profession/Mission: My mission is to live a life that glorifies God and to love and bless others. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is a verse that inspires me in how I want to live: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? If I wrote a memoir the title would be “But God” because there have been so many times that I have failed or fallen short of his glory, but God has always been faithful to me.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I first encountered God at age nine when my parents had me meet with the Pastor of our church who explained the Gospel, and I accepted Jesus into my heart and was baptized the following Sunday. But even before accepting Jesus, my parents took me and my siblings to watch “The Passion of Christ” play at our church around Easter time, and I was deeply moved watching Jesus suffer on my behalf.

How would you describe Jesus? Jesus is like the most loving father, the most wonderful husband, and the very best friend I could ever imagine.

How has your relationship with Him changed you? My relationship with Jesus has given me hope and joy that cannot be snuffed out. Life with Jesus is like being a rose that is watered and cared for versus one that is picked. I know that I am totally, fully, completely loved. This knowledge gives me courage and comfort.

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? The darkest time in my life was experiencing postpartum depression after having my second child. I saw God through friends, family members, and doctors stepping in to pull me out of the pit.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Prayer, God’s Word, and writing my book The Meaning of Motherhood helped me recover and draw near to Jesus after the experience.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I just read A Confident Mom by Renee Swope and closed the book feeling confident in my role as a shepherd of the little ones God has entrusted me with. Swope discusses children’s personality types within the book and I found this especially helpful in knowing their specific needs and how to encourage them. I am currently reading Create Anyway by Ashlee Gadd and feel so inspired as a busy mother to pursue my creative talents despite the friction I encounter. The friction renegades heat energy which sparks my creativity and produces a flame when I invite God into my work. He is able to multiply the meager portion of my fish and loaves when I come before him with a willing heart.

[Note from MW: You can check out our author interview with Ashlee Gadd here.]

Top three essentials: The Bible, a good facial skincare daily routine, and drinking lots of water.

How did God speak to you recently? God speaks to me often through my children. They will say sweet innocent things or ask questions that seem ordinary but are extraordinary in their eyes. It takes me back to John 3:16, being reminded to never lose the wonder to be found in this powerful verse.

“God speaks to me often through my children.”

Hobby: Writing books, blogging, and selling antiques and vintage decorative objects. Heirloom House Antiques is the name of my antiques business.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: 1. Stay rooted in the Word. 2. Remember Jeremiah 17:9 and follow God’s Word, not your fleeting feelings. 3. Try to pray for 5 minutes (uninterrupted, by yourself) every day.

Favorite person in scripture? My favorite person in scripture is Ruth. I admire her undaunted loyalty, her unwavering courage, and discernment to pursue the right thing, and her uncompromising faith in God.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? Jesus never leaves or forsakes us. His mercies are new every morning. Great is his faithfulness (even when we are faithless) (Lamentations 3:22-23). Jesus can use our broken pieces for his glory, to demonstrate that his power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

How do you engage with your community? I am a Steering Team Member and Table Group Leader for my local MomCo. Organization (formerly MOPS) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Favorite holiday? My favorite holiday is Christmas, but I love decorating for Fall and Easter.

A goal you have? A goal I have is to exercise more, to drink smoothies for breakfast, and to write in my prayer journal daily.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: A special tradition in my family is that we go to Colorado every year. It is a wondrous place we all love going to that shows off the beauty of God’s creation.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? When I get to Heaven, I want to know if guardian angels exist.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I want to raise awareness about postpartum depression and how difficult being a new mom can be.

What does your morning routine consist of? My morning routine looks like a cup of coffee, washing my face, getting the baby out of her crib, feeding my kids breakfast, clothing tiny humans, and sneaking on some makeup when I get a chance.

What is on your nightstand? On my nightstand is a lamp and a decorative tray housing a small stack of books, bookmarks, pens, highlighter, and chapstick.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is believing in Jesus Christ as Lord, and yielding to him as King of your life.

For more Alexandra:

• Website and Blog: www.alexandrajensen.org
• https://www.facebook.com/Authoralexandrajensen
• https://www.instagram.com/authoralexandrajensen
• A Place of Grace for Moms of Littles: Live Sanctified and Set Free Through Christ in the Midst of Crazy, Busy Mom Life
• The Meaning of Motherhood: Discovering Joy and Purpose Through Christ in the Everyday Moments of Mom Life

Until next time, keep witnessing!

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