A few years ago, my kids and I were thrilled to hear that the relics of Saint Maria Goretti were coming to a nearby town. Being able to experience something so sacred close to home felt like a gift from God. It was one of those moments when I realized how much my Heavenly Father loves me and wants good things for me—truly better than I deserve…or is it?
We planned our visit after Mass, hoping to have just enough time before I needed to take my daughter to work. But, as life often goes, ours didn’t go smoothly. The line to see the relics was long, and as I watched what felt like my chance slip away, I knew I’d have to leave before we made it to the church entrance. I stepped out of line, leaving my other children there, hoping things might still work out.
When I returned, I saw my children exiting the church. They’d made it through the line and had venerated the relics. My heart sank—I’d missed my chance at this special moment. Disappointment settled in as I turned back toward the car, holding back tears. Maybe now this was better than I deserve?
When I called my husband to tell him how disappointed I was, his response was so typical of him. He offered to cancel his plans so I could drive into the city later that evening to venerate the relics at the Cathedral. At that moment, I was overwhelmed with gratitude, not only for my husband’s sacrifice, but for a good Heavenly Father who saw my disappointment and made a way for me. The whole experience was a reminder that God’s love is better than I deserve.
See, I was a grown woman, throwing an internal temper tantrum, because I didn’t get to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. But God…He saw me, He knew what was in my heart, and He still made a way. I didn’t deserve it, but when do I ever? I was reminded of the verse in Matthew, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
I’ve ruminated on this thought frequently–do I deserve any of it? Or do I deserve all of it simply because I belong to Him?
That night, I felt so blessed by God’s love and His provision. My daughters joined me, and as we waited for hours at the Cathedral, I knew that God had arranged this chance just for me. God didn’t just give me what I needed; He blessed me abundantly.
What Is a Christian Life Coach and Why God’s Love Matters
As a certified Christian Life Coach, my clients and I often reflect on how God’s love plays a central role in our growth and healing. So, what is a Christian life coach? Simply put, I’m a guide who helps you rediscover God’s love, learn to quiet anxious thoughts and reframe your perspective in light of His promises. I work with women facing anxiety, fear, and overwhelm, helping them recognize that they are seen, known, and loved by a Heavenly Father who cares deeply for them, often in ways that feel better than they deserve.
I coach using the wisdom of ancient Scripture, thought awareness, and the latest research in brain neuroplasticity. “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2) speaks to the idea of renewing our minds, a concept supported by studies in neuroplasticity.
Research on thought awareness shows that we can shift our thought patterns, allowing us to experience a peace that surpasses all understanding and resilience–the virtue of fortitude, instead of anxiety and fear. Through life coaching, I guide women in identifying negative thought patterns and habits, embracing a strong mindset founded on God’s truth.
How Christian Life Coaching Can Help
One of my greatest joys as a Christian Life Coach is seeing my clients begin to see–if only a faint glimmer at first, the love of their Heavenly Father. Life often feels overwhelming, and in those moments of exhaustion and overwhelm, it’s easy to forget that we have a Father who delights in blessing us.
As your Life Coach, I get to walk alongside you, showing you how to become more aware of the thoughts that are not serving you and reframe them through the lens of God’s love.
How I felt in the story above is what I want for each one of my clients. I want each woman I coach to feel that God is for them…life is for them and not against them. And I teach them where those feelings come from, their thoughts.
Sometimes, life hands us disappointments, but God always has a way of meeting us exactly where we are, even in the valleys. He is there to bless, guide, and remind us that His love is truly better than we deserve based on our own merit. And yet as a loving Father, it’s always exactly what we deserve.
If you’re longing to experience more of God’s love, need help navigating thoughts of anxiety and overwhelm, and are ready to live the life you want to live, a Christian Life Coach can be a wonderful support. Together, we’ll work to renew your thoughts, embrace God’s promises, and walk in joy and peace.
Scripture References:
- Romans 12:2
- Matthew 7:9-11
*Updated from the archives
Amanda says
Beautiful! Such a gift! We missed it here in Dallas. Our group was going during nap times and with our back and forth complications I stayed back. But thanks be to God for the gift of our saints and those moments that share His sweet Love for us <3
Jenny says
You were there in spirit and God knows your heart and present limitations. Keep up the good work momma!
Kaethe Pittman says
Your Chris is a jewel, truly treating his wife like the precious gift from God that she is!
Jenny says
Oh thank you Kaethe. He is a good, good man.
Lux says
I hope he won’t mind me borrowing that line. Better than I deserve pretty much sums me up too.
Jenny says
It does. I sometimes struggle with this phrase because on the other hand, we are children of the most high God…
Jason Bassett says
Yes, but this is the gift of God not based on our merit but His love. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God….. Better than we deserve. God is kind to us far beyond our desserts, from making us His to the many blessings He heaps upon us every day, most of which we never even notice.
Chris says
Hi Jenny,
I just found you on Pinterest last night so this is the first post I have read! I loved hearing about your husband! I believe you are loved deeply and that your husband is a man of faith who allows God to work through him!
I too was blessed to see Maria Goretti’s relic as she visited my home parish and understand how upset you must have been initially, but how awesome it was once you did get to see her! The enthusiasm, love and healing I saw the day she was with us between attendees. parishioiners and volunteers has carried over and our priest and parish remain very alive since her visit!
What a once in a life time experience! “Better than I deserve”, but treasured forever!
By the way, I would not consider your reaction an “adult temper tantrum”, but an honest, open display of emotions. I believe it is very important for our kids to see our emotions and vulnerability and to know when we are upset.
Blessings to you!
Jenny says
Thank you for your kindness Chris, but on my end and after the fact, I’m pretty sure it was an adult temper tantrum, lol!
Jessi Fearon @TheBudgetMama says
Oh I love this story Jenny! Thank you for this beautiful piece of encouragement today – I definitely needed it! 🙂
Jenny says
Girl you are welcome! I loved the pictures of you at the Dave Ramsey event, I can;t remember the name?? If I were going to be jealous of you, first, you were there–WITH THE DAVE RAMSEY! And second, really Jessi, you just had a baby, could you at least look like it for the rest of us, lol!!