Life Narratives

It was good sleeping in this Sunday.

Every morning I enjoy the special time of sipping my coffee and cuddling with my dog.

As I gazed out the living room windows at the sun shining, I smiled because I was looking forward to attending church, nearby.

My dog and I went out back of our home and listened to the birds sing, as they patiently waited for me. I filled the bird feeders and scattered black oil sunflower seeds on the snowy ground. I raised my arms to the sky and faced the cross on top of the church steeple. Another morning ritual where I thank God for another new day.

Then lake effect snow blew in quickly and changed my plans. Today I stayed home and prepared omelettes for breakfast to my Dad, dog and I. They turned out delicious and were filling.

The snow stopped and the sun returned–common for lake effect storms. I snow-blowed and shoveled the main sidewalks, driveways and walking ramps of neighbors and our properties. The exercise and helping out felt good.

Although I missed worship, I am able to watch another service online. God places us where and with whom we are supposed to be with. His timing is always right. I am learning to listen to his advice.

The rest of the day has opened up opportunities to use my cellphone to speak with my sister from Colorado and text friends. I have also been able to read my Women’s Devotional Bible, type this blog, and do some light cooking and cleaning.

My father read, completed puzzles, dozed and watched football. In a couple of hours, we will eat more pizza and watch the Bills play the Chiefs. Big game for our Bills to see if they will advance on to the Superbowl.

I am ready for the start of a new week.

Rest, recharge and relax!

January 26,2025—-Jennifer S. Churchill

Today is my son’s 20th birthday. I am blessed to be his Mom.

Motherhood is the best present in life.

It is a beautiful sunny, winter day with the snow on the ground.

Although I will not see my son, I know he is happy.

He has several college classes and then he will celebrate with his girlfriend.

They are looking forward to eating dinner out and exploring The Outdoor Expo Show in Syracuse.

The years with him have gone by so fast.

We share special travel memories and fun outings together.

It will be several years before he has his own family.

I long to be a grandmother and continue to see him grow with his children.

My heart sings and is full of love and peace.

Happy Birthday, Carson!! I love you dearly, Mom!

Januaury 24, 2025—Jennifer S. Churchill

It has been nine months since I last traveled.

I am hoping to getaway this summer with family or alone.

Traveling lifts my spirits and gives me a break from my normal responsibilities and schedule.

Someday I would like to read through my travel journals and share these writings.

When I leave my home, I learn and grow more from others and myself. New languages, cultures, foods, music, religions, politics, customs and beliefs all open my mind and heart. Along with my writings , I cherish photographs I capture.

Growing up my family and I would go camping and visit other states. During my senior year in college, I had an amazing opportunity to study overseas in London, England. After the Fall semester, two young women and I backpacked and traveled by train through Europe.

It has been decades since I have re-visited old travel photos and journals. There are many stories in those fun adventures. Most of my writing was done on the train rides.

After graduating college, I taught English as a Second Language in Seoul, Korea. During that year, I had many opportunities to travel in South East Asia.

Throughout the following years, I focused my travels in the United States.

This blog is a stepping stone to more creative and informative travel pieces. I always appreciate other countries, but when I return home:

I am more grateful for my own country.

January 22, 2025—–Jennifer S. Churchill

“Salvation is the state of being saved or protected from harm….”

My prayers to God and prayers spoken over me last weekend gave me the strength to hear, “the devil he is a liar.” I was advised by one of my Pastors that my brief testimony is a salvation story.

My birthday this past Monday was special. It was not about the gifts, but being with and hearing from family and friends who truly love me. Through the hard times, I grow more in my faith walk with God and Jesus. They both love me more than I love myself.

This year I am appreciating where God places me. Doors have closed on people who I thought were meant to walk by my side. I am not bitter. However, many doors are opening with old and new, special friends. He will guide us through the good and challenging times.

I pray to be a light to others and grow from them too. Our winter days have had more sunlight during the month of January. Last year’s January, we had no sunshine. The days are growing longer with hope.

We will carry on and lift one another up with kindness and love from above.

January 19,2025—Jennifer S. Churchill

When I write my blogs, I free write and do not plan out what I am going to type. I sit down and basically the thoughts and feelings that pop into my head, I find a way to express them. When I first started writing blogs, I mainly focused on only the light and positive topics. Generally, I am optimistic; however, the more I write the greater I feel the need to express myself openly with both good and challenging experiences. My blogs are not meant to target specific people. I am not trying to boast or have my audience pity me. They are my opinions and I respect your differences and beliefs.

My blogs are to help others and myself.

We all have awesome days and some really difficult days. I am a strong believer that a good night’s sleep and each new day gives us a chance to start over and move ahead. We all work hard and take care of others. Sometimes we get burnt out, over-tired and hold our feelings and thoughts inside. Once again, I share to remind all of us– we are not alone.

Over the years I have participated in activities, learned from others and educated myself on ways to improve my life. We all find different hobbies, people, work, pets and so on to get us through our life journeys. Writing has always been my best way of expressing myself, and I enjoy the craft. I am not ashamed to hold back because we all can relate to or know someone who may be going through a similar experience.

If you read my blogs, I encourage feedback and constructive criticism. Private message me with your stories. “We All Have Stories to Share.”

Thank you and find your passion and greatest way to express yourself. It is amazing self-care. Like the saying goes, if you don’t care for yourself first, you can’t take good care of others.

January 15th, 2025 Jennifer S. Churchill

This past Friday evening I wept and spoke my prayers out loud to God.

I was alone in my bedroom as the devil tormented my mind, body and soul.

He told me my life will never improve. I will never find a loving man.

I don’t deserve to see my birthday on Monday.

My tears and words were then for God to intervene.

“Help Me , God” I cannot walk this life alone.

Soon after, I returned downstairs and sat quietly in a backroom of our home.

As the new candle lights shined in the windows,

I reached out to a few of my female friends by text.

They responded immediately with prayers and guidance for

strength and comfort.

I was not suicidal–just broken.

Sunday morning I arose and felt God’s love through the sunshine and snow

as I drove to worship at my church, Abundant Life Fellowship in Boonville.

God brought me to pray, sing and hug my Christian brothers and sisters.

When service ended, I spoke with Pastor Dan about the Devil tormenting me

He prayed over me and I did not feel alone.

I was advised by him and my Christian sisters that many people are

struggling lately.

I reflect on their words and want others to know– we are not alone.

Please reach out and care for others as we care for ourselves too.

Before my son left to drive to his apartment and college, his girlfriend and

him stopped into our home.

They gave me some bright colored flowers, a gift card and a card

for my birthday tomorrow.

We visited and ate lunch together at our kitchen table.

Then we hugged, said drive safely and I love you.

My spirits continued to lift as my dog and I hiked

at the DEC . We both needed to return to nature.

When we returned home, I spoke to my Dad as he watched the

Bills play in the backroom.

I told him to come in the living room and be more comfortable.

He gently said, I’m okay you stay there. I want you to be there because

“I am looking out for you.”

These words touched my soul because so often I am always caring for

everyone else.

Tomorrow is my birthday and the devil did not win.

My God saves and loves those who cry out to him.

January 12, 2025 —–Jennifer S. Churchill

Juggling part-time teaching, caring for my Dad, taking care of our home and being a mom to my college son are the greatest gifts.

Today is a normal Monday with laundry, taking care of my dog, feeding the wild life birds, preparing meals, cleaning, paying bills, helping Dad, running errands in town, following-up on appointment calls, and so on.

My Dad is always appreciative for all I do for him and our home. He is good about thanking and praising me. His words were different today as I brought our lunch into his room. He said, “You Do So Much For Me.” I was grateful to hear this phrase from him and smiled as I said, “You’re Welcome.”

I needed to hear his thank you in a new way to remind myself I am where I am supposed to be and at the right time. Of course, I dream of taking a vacation and I believe I will someday. In the meantime, I escape in my writing, reading a book, going for a walk or doing something small for myself.

We all have different obstacles and good stories in our lives. Many of us do share similar experiences and we need to continue to reach out and help one another. Please do not feel you are walking alone.

January 6, 2025 Jennifer S. Churchill

My two week vacation from teaching was a good time to rest and reflect.

Although the days have been colder, it is refreshing walking with my dog .

We step through the powdery snow on the sidewalks in town.

The air is crisp as I smile up at the sun shining through the clouds.

Earlier I cleaned out our driveway and cleared the sidewalks.

I am improving at this new task and feel a small achievement when finished.

My break has blessed me with time to return to: reading library books,

writing, exercising, eating good food and sipping tasty hot drinks while

visiting with friends and family.

When school starts back up this week, I will work on finding a balance.

I am not setting resolutions; however, I will continue to complete my roles

and work to manage in time for my passions.

As I gaze out the windows of our home and type, I breathe deeply and

feel happy.

God has put me in a good place with the people I love, and they love me back

Jennifer S. Churchill–January 5, 2025

There are various explanations for feeling more lethargic and sleeping too much lately at night: (winter, darkness, heartbreak, depression, increase of my anxiety medication, change in my routine/schedule, less socialization, etc…).

I have to try harder and push myself more to stay positive and fairly active. Unfortunately, I did not make it to ALF in Boonville this morning. Instead, I enjoyed worshipping and hearing God’s word at NLF in Beaver Falls. God places me where I need to be each day.

My Dad does his best to help me and it is good for both of us. While at church, he did some preparation for our family meal and clean-up in the kitchen. Later we will finish completing the scalloped potatoes together.

Other women have prayed over me and have spoken that now is the time to focus on caring for my Dad. Through their prayers and my prayers, I have hope that someday I will find a good, Christian man and we will fall in love.

God and my Christian friends will bring him to me. I must continue to be strong for my friends, family and myself. Over the years I have educated myself about my depression and anxiety and can recognize when I need to reach out to my providers in the mental health field. This upcoming week I will adjust my medication with my doctor, participate in peer support counseling and meet with my therapist. I am grateful to have support and try to reach out to others who may need help too. Prayer is also a great comfort.

My blogs are shorter lately. I remind myself it is “okay.” Every step forward helps. God is trying to show me “his path”–not my road.

Jennifer S. Churchill 12/29/2024

• During the winter months I sleep more at night because in my dreams I escape and am happy. I connect with old friends and family.
• My dog and I started walking again in town.
• I enjoyed returning to the gym this week.
• Hot showers and baths soothe my aches and relax me in the evenings.
• Reading library books and my Bible give me comfort.
• Reaching out to friends in the morning and at night keep us connected.
• The Christmas lights help with the darkness.
• We display hand-written Christmas cards from friends and family.
• Our home is warm, safe, abundant and peaceful with caring and love.
• The sunshine is less, so days when it appears, I always pause with my dog and thank God for the light.
• Music also lifts our spirits and passes the time.
• Occasional take-out and dining out are appreciated from our home-cooked meals. They also help fight cabin-fever.
• My Dad and I look forward to watching Netflix shows after dinner that my son recommended to us.
• We keep moving ahead and looking out for one another.
• Tomorrow I long to return to my church and think and pray on my drive. It will be wonderful to worship with old friends.
• Then we will sit down and eat dinner together with my son and his girlfriend.
• Some simple and good activities to get us through the light and darkness.

Jennifer S. Churchill 12/28/2024