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Showing posts from October, 2018

About Me

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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.

One of those "check your heart" moments

I had one of those moments today. You know those moments that give you an unexpected glimpse in the mirror and you see something that you don't quite like. I had been been standing in line to pay for my groceries. When it was eventually my turn, I greeted the cashier with a friendly smile and hello, genuinely wanting to acknowledge her and show her my appreciation. She in turn ignored me point blank and simply told me to swipe my reward card. Just like that my mood changed. She was so abrupt and uninterested in the friendliness that I had just shown her. In an instant my smile was gone and I stood there silently unpacking my groceries. She ignored me and I ignored her, all the while stewing in my head. I couldn't believe how "off" this woman was and how it had changed my attitude in an instant. Years ago I used to coach customer care training, so everything in me felt like imparting a lesson to this grumpy young woman. Thankfully, that quiet inner voice inside my hea...

Running the race with joy

This past weekend I had a real full circle moment in my life, and it is my joy to share it with you. 2 weeks ago marked our little boys 7 year anniversaries of the day he was born, and the following day ... when he got to choose Heaven. As his mommy, I realised very early on that I get to choose how I negotiate such an immense loss. As a wife and mother to my 3 other darlings, my choice has been to be real, honest and true to myself by fully acknowledging the many layers of grief, but in so doing ... to embrace healing so that I can honour my son's legacy by choosing to live, laugh and embrace life this side of Heaven until I finally get to hold him again.  These last 7 years have continued to teach me how Jesus stands closest to the brokenhearted ... and that He is a Restorer to all who allow Him to hold them in His love through the healing process. A huge key to healing for me has been to not suppress the pain, but to work each moment of longing, sadness, anger, regret e...