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Janine Claire Robinson
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Welcome to my little writing corner. I count my many blessings to be a cherished wife and an ever-learning-loving-growing mother to 3 amazing children this side of Heaven and a precious little boy in Heaven. Together as a family we pastor a precious church community called Redeeming Hope Church. I've had the privilege of loving and following Jesus Christ since my earliest memories as a child. No matter what I've gone through in life, He has always been so present. At heart, I'm an encourager ... so this is a place where I get to wear my heart on my sleeve and share my journey of learning to live a life of love in action.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

This year has been a year of learning how to "let go". If you are wired anything like me, this is not always easy. I'm one of those people who has a big heart and feels very deeply - sometimes too deeply. I looked back over my journals and discovered once again how long my very gracious Lord Jesus has been walking around this mountain with me ;0) It's a learning curve to create the habit of "letting go" before things mount up in your heart. Just this week my eldest looked me in the eye and used my very same words to her ... "Mommy. Don't sweat the small stuff." I was so proud of her for being able to recognize and remind me that her and I are learning the same principle together. There is nothing like observing something in another persons life to help you recognize that you still have work to do in your own life. This is a very wise principle that my sister Niqui has taught me over many heart felt conversations. Oh how grateful I am for her in my life! For so long I have been plugging away with my firstborn to help her learn how to let the small stuff go and not stress so easily, yet I have been walking around with the same ailment for so long. I thank God that He uses my precious children to mould, refine and teach me so many life giving lessons. 
As I worked through and processed what was stressing me out so much yesterday, I heard His encouraging whisper to look for the blessing in amongst the disappointment. We all have our faults, because we are all on a journey to wholeness and freedom. To become engaged in offense which most often comes through misunderstanding, robs us of the blessing that was ultimately intended. It always amazes me how hard that choice to "let go" is when you feel so justified in your interpretation of events. But I can truly say, no matter the level of hurt ... there is nothing sweeter than the freedom and liberty that blows upon your heart when you finally let go. Oh the lightness! 
So here's to a stress free weekend as I let go and trust God. He is after all capable of working all things out to His glory!
Love you all xxx
Janine
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Anonymous said…
Good morning you precious woman of the Lord! Your daughter is so right... 'dont sweat the small stuff', after all... isn't that what you ministered to me a while ago? (Big smile....) Have a fantastic weekend and live in our Daddy's glory and grace! Be at peace with yourself and pray for those who try to disturb that peace in your life! Love you xx
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Anonymous said…
Hi Janine - just yesterday I was told something someone said that a year back would have had me on a roller-coaster ride of offense and hurt. I chatted to my hubby about it, told the Lord I forgive this person (she doesn't even know) and let it go. It was so freeing. You are so right though, that it is a learning curve. Get it right with the small stuff and then God asks us to do it with the big stuff. Still working on that.
God bless, you have a stress free weekend too.
Tracy
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Preppy Pink Crocodile said…
How awesome that your daughter was able to bring you back with such wise words! Clearly the lessons you are teaching her are sinking in!!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Onlythemanager said…
I agree, sometimes it is so hard to let go, especially when your sense of justice has been bruised. Thankfully, God has been able to "let go" when I am the offender.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Carol F said…
So true my Queen - thank you for reminding me about this very thing again!!I love your Blog my Darling, keep it up!!
All my love, Mom xxxxx
Monday, August 01, 2011
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