Instead, I watched a moment unfold two hours away—at my granddaughter Olivia’s house—when her mama, Crystal, captured a video of Livie discovering their tree and shared it in our family group chat.

The moment she spotted it, her whole body leaned forward with wonder.
Wide eyes. Open mouth. Slow, deliberate steps toward the glowing branches as if the tree itself was calling her name.

And then, of course…

The reach.

Crystal told her gently, “You can look, but don’t touch.”

That’s all it took for a tiny storm to roll across her sweet face.
A deep grunt.
A frustrated squeal.
A little foot stomp.

She toddled away for a moment—just long enough to pretend she was done—then circled right back again.

Her eyes lifted to the sparkle. Her fingers twitched.
And the cycle began again: desire → resistance → tiny rebellion → gentle reminder.

When she finally grabbed an ornament, Crystal immediately walked with her—hand over hand—back to the tree to return it.

It wasn’t punishment.
It was guidance.
It was patience.
It was teaching.

Something about that moment caused me to pause and ponder. Because watching her, I didn’t see just a toddler learning boundaries.

I saw myself.
And like Eve in the Garden, I saw every one of us who feels drawn toward things that glitter beautifully… yet lead us away from God’s heart.

Lesson 1: The Forbidden Thing Always Looks the Shiniest

It’s remarkable how many toys Olivia has.
How many safe, fun, perfectly allowed things she can hold and enjoy.

But the one thing she couldn’t have suddenly became the thing she had to have.

Somewhere deep in that tiny heart, the sin nature was already whispering the same lie Eve heard in Eden:

“This one thing is what will satisfy you.”

The longer Livie stared at the tree, the stronger the pull became.

Isn’t that true for us?

The more attention we give to temptation — the more we justify it, circle around it, admire it, imagine it — the louder it sings.

We rarely fall all at once.
We fall one lingering glance at a time.

Lesson 2: God’s Boundaries Flow from Love, Not Cruelty

There was such tenderness in how Crystal handled the moment.
She didn’t yell.
She didn’t shame.
She didn’t swat her hand.

She simply stayed close, consistent, and kind.

“Look but don’t touch.”

When Livie grabbed an ornament anyway, Crystal walked with her to gently put it back.

In that simple scene, I got a fresh glimpse of God’s Father-heart.

We often imagine His “no” as harsh—limiting, frustrating, even confusing.
But His boundaries are protection, not punishment.

They are the guardrails of love.

That tree was meant to be beautiful.
To bring joy.
To celebrate Jesus’ birth.

The boundary wasn’t about withholding good—it was about safeguarding it.

And God does the same with us.

Lesson 3: We Cannot Resist Temptation Alone

My granddaughter didn’t have the strength to resist the tree.
She’s only one year old.
The desire was bigger than her willpower.

In that moment, I sensed the Lord whisper to my heart:

“You’re no different, Jenny—except you have My Spirit helping you.”

We can’t resist on our own.
We weren’t meant to.

Just like Olivia needed her mama’s presence, consistency, and hand-over-hand guidance, we need our Father’s.

We need His Spirit nudging us away from danger.
We need His truth drawing us back from what glitters but cannot satisfy.
We need His mercy when we circle back again… and again… and again.

A Question for Your Heart This Christmas

As we enter this season with all its sparkle and noise, I find myself asking:

“What’s my Christmas tree?”

What is that one thing that keeps pulling my attention—tempting me to reach for it, even though it isn’t God’s best for me?

Maybe it’s comparison.
Maybe it’s control.
Maybe it’s worry, people-pleasing, resentment, or overwork.

Maybe it’s something no one else would ever guess.

But here’s the invitation:

Don’t just stare at it.
Don’t circle it over and over.
Don’t try to fight it alone.

Turn toward the One who loves you enough to set boundaries.
Turn toward the One who stays close, consistent, and kind.
Turn toward the One who guides your hands back to where they belong.

He isn’t withholding good from you.
He is protecting the good in you.

This moment with Olivia reminded me of how often God uses family milestones to teach me. Back in April 2023, after Caleb and Crystal’s wedding, I shared a post called Lessons From Our Son’s Wedding — a glimpse into the things God was shaping in my heart during that season. And now, as a Grammie, He’s still teaching me—through tiny hands, bright eyes, and moments just like this.

👉 Read that earlier reflection here:
https://jennyleavitt.com/2023/05/lessons-from-our-sons-wedding/

A Prayer for the Season

Father, thank You for loving me enough to say “no” when my heart reaches for what cannot hold me.
Teach me to trust Your boundaries, to listen for Your gentle guidance, and to turn toward You instead of circling the things that glitter.
Help me recognize temptation quickly and give me the strength to walk away—not in my own power, but in Yours.
Protect my heart this Christmas season, and keep my eyes fixed on what is truly good.
Amen.

The post My Granddaughter’s Christmas Tree Temptation appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

Having hard times in your marriage? Myron and I have had our fair share! Life-threatening illness, financial ruin, the loss of a child, drastic personality differences, wounds from childhood—the list goes on. Marriage has not been an easy road for us, and I’d be lying if I said we always got it right. But through it all, I can say this: I am so grateful for the 31 years I’ve been married to this man.

He is not perfect. I am not perfect. Our love is not perfect. But one thing has remained steadfast—his love for God. And dare I say, he loves God more than he loves me. That might seem like an odd statement, but it’s one of the things I’m most grateful for. Because when we were at our weakest, when love felt strained under the weight of grief and hardship, it was his love for God that kept him fighting for our marriage. And it was my love for God that did the same.

As we approach Valentine’s Day, I want to share something with you. It’s a song that beautifully captures what truly matters in a marriage—not the grand romantic gestures or the picture-perfect moments, but the quiet faithfulness, the choosing of each other day after day, and the love that endures long after the honeymoon phase fades.

This song makes me think about what really matters. If we are blessed with fifty years from now, what will have made the difference in our marriages? It won’t be the flowers or the fancy dinners (though those are nice). It will be the choice to love even when it’s hard. To pray when we feel hopeless. To stand by each other when life knocks us down.

If you’re struggling in your marriage today, I want to encourage you: Hard times don’t have to mean the end of your love story. Christian marriage help during hard times can bring hope and restoration.

And if grief has placed a strain on your marriage, you are not alone. Christian couples navigating grief can find healing and connection through faith. That’s why I’m working on a special resource for grieving couples. If this is something you’d like to hear more about, stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more soon.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate not just love, but the kind of love that lasts. The kind of love that chooses faith over fear, commitment over convenience, and grace over perfection.

I’d love to hear from you—What’s one thing you’re grateful for in your marriage today? Share in the comments. Also, if you’re looking for more encouragement, sign up for my newsletter where I share resources and insights on strengthening Christian marriages.

Wishing you love and strength in every season, Jenny

The post How to Overcome Hard Times in Marriage: A Faith-Based Perspective appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

The words from Isaiah 61:3 echo in our hearts as we welcome this precious gift:
“To all who mourn… He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.”

Olivia’s birth reminds us of God’s faithfulness through every season of life. Just as He has walked with us through our valleys, He stands ready to offer comfort and strength to all who seek Him. If you’re facing a difficult time or feel the weight of loss, know that God is present, waiting to turn your sorrow into something beautiful.

We have seen His faithfulness time and again, and we know He will be faithful to you, too. Take heart, hold onto hope, and let God work His beauty into every corner of your life.

The post Welcome to the World, Olivia Rae Leavitt! appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

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I was listening to my local morning show on one of my favorite Christian radio stations, and learned two things: 

#1 May is Mental Health Awareness Month

#2 Christian musician Josh Wilson has a powerful testimony of overcoming addiction and mental health issues with Jesus and Therapy. He has an innovative way of sharing it in bite-sized pieces as he is releasing twenty-four songs in 2024! I LOVE this idea and so far, I’m also loving all the songs. What a way to bring the things we all battle into the open so we face them and allow healing to come in.

Exciting News!

Two VERY exciting tidbits to share….

#1: “GodPrints: Finding Evidence of God in the Shattered Pieces of Life”  won first place for Broadcast Media in the 2024 CAN Excellence in Marketing Award!

What an honor to be selected to receive an array of marketing packages as a result of this award. I pray that these will help us further the message of hope and healing after loss to even more who need to hear it!

#2: It’s a girl!!!! 

If you’ve followed me for a little while, you’ll know that our oldest son, Caleb, who survived the accident that took the life of our youngest son, Jacob, married his sweetheart, Crystal, in April 2023. We just found out it’s a girl! I’m so excited to welcome little Olivia Rae Leavitt to our family in November 2024. Here’s some pics:

Stay tuned for more exciting news and helpful reviews as we continue our journey! What about you, friend? Do you have anything exciting to share with our community? Comment below or email me privately at jenny@jennyleavitt.com.

The post “Mental Health” Music & Exciting News! appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

I want to start by saying sorry for my lack of consistency lately. The past six weeks have been quite challenging with my elderly father and myself both undergoing surgery. I apologize for the sporadic updates and lack of news during this time. Your understanding and patience mean a lot, and I appreciate your continued support.

Exciting News

In the midst of all the chaos, I have some exciting news to share! My son Caleb and daughter-in-law Crystal are expecting a baby in November, and Myron and I are thrilled to be becoming grandparents. This new addition to our family has brought so much joy and anticipation, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you all. Stay tuned for updates and maybe even some adorable baby pictures!

Another piece of exciting news is that I am working on streamlining my posts and exploring new social media strategies. I have transitioned some of my accounts to author business accounts and would greatly appreciate it if you could follow me on these platforms. Your support means the world to me, and I am grateful for each and every one of you who follow along on this journey. (All my updated links are below)

A Bit of Fun and Games

Now, let’s add some fun and laughter into the mix! With grandbabies on the brain, I recently came across this hilarious video of THE BEST OF LAUGHING BABIES that I couldn’t wait to share! There’s just something infectious about the laughter of babies that brings a smile to our faces.

To spread the joy, I want to turn this into a fun game for all of you. Send me something funny – a joke, a video, or any creative idea that makes you laugh. Every submission will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card and be featured in the next month’s newsletter. Let’s share the laughter and happiness within our community!

The deadline to enter is May 31st, so get those funny submissions in and let’s brighten each other’s days with laughter. Thank you all for being a part of this amazing journey with me.

If you are on any of these platforms, would you mind clicking over and checking out my page? Your support and presence truly mean the world to me.

Thank you for reading and joining me on this rollercoaster of life. Stay tuned for more updates, exciting news, and plenty of fun and games ahead!

The post An Apology, Exciting News, and a Bit of Fun and Games appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to my brand new YouTube Channel, “GodPrints”. This is where we roll up our sleeves and tackle the real issues that life throws at us. Together, we’ll work on healing our deepest hurts and finding happiness, even when it seems out of reach.

Life can be quite the rollercoaster, but I’m here to show you that hope can shine even in the darkest moments. Having walked this path myself, I’m right here beside you.

“GodPrints” is your doorway to the wisdom gained from real-life experiences. Together, we’ll continue learning, growing, and supporting each other as we seek hope and healing.

For more resources, check out my website at www.jennyleavitt.com. You’ll find a wealth of articles and tools to help you explore hope, resilience, and personal growth.

Don’t miss a moment of our inspiring content – click that subscribe button on the “GodPrints” YouTube channel and join our vibrant community.

I’m genuinely excited to have you alongside me on this journey, and I can’t wait to delve into the incredible power of faith and hope with you.

With hope,

Jenny Leavitt 🌟

This is part of the Free Source of Hope Series:

Free (or Cheap) Source of Hope: Videos & Movies

Free Source of Hope: Blogs & Newsletters

Free Source of Hope: Podcasts

Free Source of Hope: Books

Free Source of Hope: Apps

Free Source of Hope: Bible App Plans

Free Source of Hope: Support Groups

Free Source of Hope: GodPrints YouTube Channel

Free Source of Hope: Music

Free Source of Hope: The Bible

Free Source of Hope: Sermons

You may also like:

Resources for Bereaved Siblings

Online Christian Communities for Bereaved Parents

Resource for Grieving Men

Practical Help for Men Questioning Life’s Sufferings

The post Brand New Free Source of Hope: GodPrints YouTube Channel appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

I was there. In my head, I know she’s gone. But it’s still hard to wrap my mind around it. Those last few weeks, when they moved her into hospice, we had some good talks. We were able to reconcile in a lot of ways. We had our share of butting heads over the years, as most siblings do. You know those disagreements that can cause tension within the family? I won’t go into all of that right now because that’s not the point of where I’m going with this story today.

No, today, I’ve been considering the lessons in mercy that I have learned from this experience and from losing our 17-year-old son Jacob in a traumatic car accident on August 30th, 2015.

The first lesson in mercy I’ve been contemplating these last few weeks….

As my sister’s condition deteriorated, our sister relationship was not the only one that needed some reconciliation. She also had some special moments with our father that were much needed.

I think that was the Lord’s mercy in allowing my sister the opportunity to make some things right before she stands before God.

She had the opportunity to examine her own heart, ask for forgiveness from God and people, and express things to me and my dad that desperately needed to be said to bring about healing. It may seem weird to think of that as the first mercy lesson I noticed in in this time of my sister’s approaching death but consider that many do not get that opportunity. Our son Jacob didn’t.

When he woke up that Saturday morning, he did not know that he would be standing before his Maker that night.

Which me leads me to mercy lesson number two…

I pondered how this just might be the Lord’s mercy for my sister to have the knowledge that her life was coming to an end and set things right, even as the reality of her increasing physical pain she was evident. I felt so bad that nothing could be done other than the medical professionals offering her medicine to ease the comfort and provide her with some temporary peace.

And that’s when it struck me that while she experienced one aspect of our Lord’s mercy, our son experienced a different kind of mercy. While Jacob did not wake up that Saturday morning knowing that he would stand before God that night, our Lord knew. He left evidence for us to find that He had been preparing Jacob for months to meet him.

In fact, the poem that we found that Jacob had written called Holding Me  clearly shows him wrestling with God, realizing that he is a sinful man, and yet knowing by the end that not only is he forgiven, but that he will one day walk on streets of gold and meet his savior face to face. Jacob signed and dated it February, 2015; just six months before Christ met him on that dark, drizzly roadway.

What a tremendous mercy from our God that He would work on our son’s heart six months before he passed away and make sure that he was ready!

As I saw my sister struggle through the pain, I was reminded of yet another mercy:

I am so grateful that my son did not suffer, but died fairly quickly, if not instantly. If you have ever lost somebody very dear to you very quickly like that, I urge you to stop and consider what a mercy that is. They didn’t suffer in pain and agony as their anxiety climbed knowing the end was near, as my sister did.

Sometimes when we are so focused on the hurt of the grief, we don’t see the Lord’s hand right there.

We don’t see the Comforter.

We don’t see His mercy, His love, His tender hand right there with us, as Jacob said in his poem, “leading us all the way home”.

But friend, if we look for Him, we will find Him.

We will see His mercy even in the hardest parts of our lives.

We will see his faithfulness.

We will see his promises are still true.

He is still faithful. He still promises to work all things for good, for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

So while I don’t claim to understand all the workings of God, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He takes care of His own.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15)

My sister reminded me of that verse after we lost Jacob.

Now, sis, it applies to you. I’m so grateful that in the Lord’s mercy you are right with Him. I believe He helped you. I believe that in His mercy, I will see you again.

So as I said at Mom’s funeral, this isn’t goodbye. This is, “We’ll see you soon, Diane!” The greatest reunion of all time is still to come!

And hey, while you’re waiting for us, go ahead and pick out the best picnic spot you can find because we’re coming, sis!

We’re coming!

What about you, friend? have you noticed any “mercies” in times of grief? Comment below or send me an email at jenny@jennyleavitt.com.

In Loving Memory

of 

Diane Carol Fournier

February 23, 2023 – July 27, 2023

The post Mercies in Times of Grief appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

My older sister, Diane, lost the battle with ovarian cancer last Thursday, July 27th. She was only 51.

I’m sure I will write more about this newest section of the grief journey in the future, but today I’m writing to ask you for prayer, please. For my father, especially. This has been very hard for him, understandably so. His name is Rick and I’d be so grateful if you’d lift him up before God as he mourns the loss of his oldest child. He lost our mom, his wife of over fifty years, in January 2021, and now this.

Please let me know if there is anything I can pray about for you as well. I’d love the opportunity. Really!

That reminds me… thank you so much to all who have taken the quick survey I sent out last month. Once I get past the memorial service soon, I plan on looking at the results to see what I can do to help this community. One thing I have l already noticed from skimming through the results is that a lot of us friends in this space are lonely. I’m praying about some things that might help combat that. Stay tuned!

The post Sad news and a prayer request appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

Then you’ll want to listen to this interview from Focus on the Family with Christian musician Toby Mac. Toby and his wife lost their 21-year-old son, and he is very candid about his struggles, and the hope he has in Christ, in this episode.

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/trusting-god-that-hope-is-on-the-way/

If you scroll down on the page, you will also see some helpful related resources that Focus on the Family recommends.

And just in case you didn’t know, our family’s heart is to come alongside the hurting who don’t think there will ever be brighter days ahead and help them find what we’ve already experienced: hope is available.

In fact, that’s why we created Integrity Multi Media LLC. (https://jennyleavitt.com/about/)

I love to encourage others through writing.

My husband Myron through speaking, teaching, and preaching.

And our oldest son, Caleb, is currently exploring ideas on how he can minister to those who have lost brothers and sisters as he has.

All of us are passionate about Jesus and believe in sharing his love with everyone God brings into our sphere of influence.

Is that you, dear friend? Would you benefit from reaching out to one of us?

If so, shoot me an email jenny@jennyleavitt.com.

We’d love to help if we can!

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