Leaning on My Own Strength

by Jenny Harrison

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

20150122_01The long and grueling journey was beginning to wind down. As my supervisor signed and approved  my last hours for my counseling internship, I asked him if he had any final words of wisdom.… Read the rest...

Amazing Grace

Article reposted
by Jenny Harrison

For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14 (NIV84)

I was tuned in to the radio while driving a familiar road to one of my work destinations when I heard the song by Chris Tomlin, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).

As Chris sang the chorus,

My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

I began to ponder the deeper meaning of the words:

My chains are gone, I’ve been set free:

Freedom from my shame, guilt, and impossible self-expectations of perfectionism, including the lists of unending “things” I must achieve to gain approval.… Read the rest...

Sixteen Minutes

A repost
by Jenny Harrison

A healthy attitude is contagious but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.
~~Tom Stoppard

01132013_01If you were to ask me about my graduate and post graduate school experience, I would have to admit that the endless lectures, term papers, and examinations are somewhat of a blur.

However, there was a particular assignment by one of my esteemed professors that I will always remember.… Read the rest...

Sticks and Stones: When Words Hurt

By Jenny Harrison

All people cross the line from childhood to adulthood with a secondhand opinion of who they are.
~~ Heyward Ewart, AM I BAD? Recovering From Abuse

20141022_01It was a typical outing to the grocery store as I scanned the shelves in search of the weekly advertised specials. The day was uneventful until I witnessed the commotion at the end of the aisle.… Read the rest...

The Roller Coaster of Public Opinion

A reposted article
by Jenny Harrison

“In one survey, respondents listed Princeton as one of the country’s top ten law schools.The problem? Princeton doesn’t have a law school.”
~~Alexandra Robbins

20130522_01As unbelievable as that sounds, according to Wikipedia, The Law School at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) was a department of Princeton University from 1847 until 1852.… Read the rest...

Just Who Are You?

by Jenny Harrison

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

20140915_01I wish someone had snapped a picture of the stunned look on the faces of my colleagues and me when three employees at a quaint boutique near our hotel/convention site approached us.… Read the rest...

Waiting in the Wings

by Jenny Harrison

But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT)

20140820_01aA state of perpetual waiting appears to be our family theme these days. In May 2013, my son married a beautiful Christian woman after a year of mission work in Central America.… Read the rest...

The Crummiest Day

A Previously Posted Article:
by Jenny Harrison

“Thoughts become things…Choose the good ones!”
~~Mike Dooley

Being an all-level special education counselor keeps me constantly moving between campuses and buildings. One morning, as I made my way from the elementary to the middle school building, I entered the playground area. A high level of energy could be felt as I observed children squealing, swinging, climbing, and playing tag.… Read the rest...

A Life of Value

by Jenny Harrison

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.
~~ Albert Einstein

20140716_01Outwardly, Mother Nature had taken a toll on the sweet lady. Her body was frail and her memory was compromised but the inward spirit, and the years of selfless service to others was beyond impressive.

As she gripped the podium for balance and support, she was obviously overwhelmed with the rousing standing ovation she was receiving.… Read the rest...

Embracing Imperfection

by Jenny Harrison

Here she sat—one of the final four people interviewing for a coveted position. At this point, all candidates were the best-of-the-best in the profession, each equipped with impressive resumes and references.

The administrator was on a mission to zero in on the perfect candidate to add to her team of professionals. The impression made during the interview was critical.… Read the rest...