Jacque Watkins

finding grace through the mud

Experiencing Joy

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The times in life when I experience the most joy, are the times I sense God’s pleasure. The times I’m close to Him, reading His Word, journaling my thoughts, and sharing with Him my heart. The times He multiplies my efforts as a mom, filling in the gaps where I lack, and showing me there’s […]

For When You Know You Need More Rest

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Rest has become a foreign stranger to me and I’m not quite sure how much longer I can survive without her. It’s been so long. Sleep evades me and a heightened sense of urgency is ever before me, as every single minute of each day is utilized with little to no margin at all. And […]

Mended :: The Root of Brokenness {Week 4}

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I grow up on a farm … a farm with lots of weeds. I wish I could say I don’t have much experience with them, but that would be a lie. The truth is, I spend many afternoons in that central-San-Joaquin-valley sun pulling countless weeds, and I never, ever enjoy it. In fact, it seems […]

Daring to Dream God-Sized Dreams

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There’s something about dreaming that comes alive when we don’t have to dream alone. When we have someone to call when that crazy thought blips into our mind. Or when we meet for coffee and share a part of our heart with a friend, Coming alongside each other, praying for and cheering each other on! […]

Lessons Far From Home

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Sometimes I don’t appreciate something until it’s gone. And sometimes I’m so busy looking to the next thing I miss the now-thing that exists right before me, lamenting only after it’s gone right by. Thankfully, I’ve not done that this time. We haven’t been home in almost two weeks—a family vacation. Tomorrow is our last […]

Mended :: Chapters 5-8 {Week 3}

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We’re in our second session of the (in)couragers community and you can read all about it by clicking here. This session we’re walking through Angie Smith’s amazing book, Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole. Today, Tracie is hosting our study on her blog… I first met Tracie last July at the She Speaks Conference […]

Mended :: Chapters 1-4 {Week 2}

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We’re in our second session of the (in)couragers community and you can read all about it by clicking here. This session we’re walking through Angie Smith’s amazing book, Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole. Today, Denise is hosting our study on her blog… Denise has been my in-real-life friend for over a decade, and […]

Mended :: Beginning the Journey in Community {Week 1}

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I’ve been broken and shattered. And I’ve lived without hope … engulfed with regret and buried in shame. In fact I remember being so broken and stained by the sin of my choices that I seriously wondered if I had stepped just beyond God’s love. Because for me, I willingly made choices that destroyed my […]

How to Share Your Past Failure with Your Kids

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This year is our second year in our homeschooling adventure. We’re studying the Old Testament as well as ancient world history, and are learning so much! We began the year in Genesis and Exodus, learned about the Egyptians and their ancient culture, and started memorizing the ten commandments one by one. In December, as I […]