Author: Zonnette Jackson

I had spent all my life with what I call, a case of mistaken identity (a situation in which I thought a particular person, aka, me was someone else). Yes, and for many of us, the same is true. We have identified ourselves through the lens of lies and experiences the enemy throws our way. It started in 5^th grade for me.

(more…)

I was scared and anxious about something that wasn’t even my reality yet. The thoughts consumed me of woulda, shoulda, coulda’s. This was new, unchartered waters for our family. New place, new people, new culture, new language, new food, new everything. My inner super planner self was freaking out. Not knowing how things were going to turn out was quite scary. My mind was going crazy and overload with fears. I needed my to-do-list in order to start checking things off so I could have some control of how my life is going to turn out.

(more…)

Today, it became very evident that God hears and answers prayers. After a conversation, I had with my brother and sister in law, I was sure they were in my prayer closet that very week. At the time, I was battling being a homemaker and homeschool Mom. My season of pursuing a career had ended as I felt strongly the Lord wanted me home with the kiddos. This was quite a challenge because I had little knowledge of homeschooling. In fact, I attempted homeschooling our first born for one school semester and it was an epic failure; at the end of the day my son and I were both in tears and feeling great frustration. I came to the conclusion that homeschooling wasn’t meant for our family because it took special skills and an abundance of patience to pull that gig off, however, even while feeling inadequate, I found myself saying “Yes” to the Lord for the task at hand this time around.

(more…)

 

So, I had a bit of a meltdown situation this week🙆. I was crying, stressed, overwhelmed and discouraged about motherhood and raising godly kids. You know the mundane stuff; cleaning, cooking, correcting, diapers, dishes, and basically repeating oneself over and over about the same things everyday🙇. Can anyone relate? I don’t want to have these meltdowns often so I try to find the reason or lesson behind this ordeal.

(more…)

There are days when I wake up and I feel as though my children had some type of supernatural encounter because they are behaving like angels😇. They help me make breakfast, they start the coffee pot for me, they have completed their morning routine without any reminders, they are not fussing with each but actually helping each other and being extra nice (at this point I am a little suspicious 🧐😉) like where are my real children…lol.

(more…)

Through my struggles, I am constantly reminded by the Lord that I am being forged by fire. So, I take on life with a new attitude and a unique perspective … I welcome challenges and struggles. Yes, that’s right! The obstacles in my life are refining me so I am writing a letter…

Dear Struggles,

(more…)

Does the amount of obstacles we face determine our success?

Do we need obstacles to grow?

We all want it, wish for it; a life without obstacles.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to live life without chaos, heartaches, trials, and difficulties but a life of faith, faith that moves mountains, comes at a cost.

Are we willing to pay the cost?

I want our kids well-behaved, my marriage a breeze, the finances bountiful and things to come easy. I also want to live out every one of God’s promises. I don’t want to fight. I don’t want to struggle. I don’t want to feel the pressure that turns coals into diamonds.

(more…)

So, glad you stopped by! Pull up a chair, grab some coffee, get comfy and let’s chat.

Are you ready to join me on this wild ride as I spill the unfiltered, chaotic, yet oh-so-rewarding lessons of our family journey. I don’t have perfect days. Some days are a hot mess and others turn out to be much better. I don’t know all the answers. I am still figuring it out. I know each day will have its set of challenges and triumphs and I try to embrace them both with an open heart and a positive attitude. Somedays I lose my Jesus a little and find him all over again in a moment of surrender and trading in my strength for His. You will need patience and the resolve to make mistakes. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Roman 8:28). In other words, “all things are working for our greatest and highest good” because we are connected to the Source higher than ourselves and this Source will change our lives if we surrender. 

I had to surrender. 

I had to surrender what I couldn’t control.

I had to surrender to Him who is in control.

I had to surrender all that our family has been through.

I had to surrender our kids.

I had to surrender my diagnosis.

I had to surrender my wounds.

I had to surrender my insecurities.

I had to surrender everything.

I had to surrender to HEALING.

And when I surrendered, a wonderful miraculous thing happened…Freedom! 

I felt freedom. Freedom in my Soul! My Spirit felt Free.

For the first time in my life, I felt, “seen”, “known” and beloved”. 

_MINDSET

Mindset Matters: mental health matters, emotional health matters, spiritual health matters, nutrition matters. You need your body, mind and spirit nourished.

The most life-changing goal to set is that of a new perspective.

-iamforgebyfire

Perspective changes everything! The way we look at life whether the glass is half full or half empty will determine our attitude and altitude. Perspective dictates our level of contentment and joy and our resilience to life’s many challenges. This is the premise of this blog space.

MY WHY

God has a plan and uses everything in our lives for His purpose. Nothing is wasted! No pain, no hurt, no difficulty, no storm, no dilemma, no mistake, no setback, no disability has escaped from the Father’s grasp. He uses EVERYTHING! 

Bottom line, your pain has a purpose. You are not defined by your struggles but REFINED by them. You are being Forged by Fire! We are all being forged in the fire of life .