Made to Shine with Jaclyn

“In the first creation He gave me myself; but in His new creation He gave me Himself, and by that gift restored to me the self that I had lost.” ~Bernard of Clairvoux

In a “blogette” a couple of months ago, I expressed the desire to reinvent myself now that I face a new life with circumstances that I never expected (go back and read my post from March 17, 2026).

“What do I want to do when I grow up?” Isn’t a joke I make anymore. It’s honest and real. And every day the urgency of that question brings me to my journal, to my friends and mentors, and to God. Peter Scazzero teaches that we must go back in order to move forward. So, I’ve been remembering who ‘she’ is. Who was that girl in 1998 that considered the world her oyster? She LOVED Garth Brooks and musical theater (see evidence in photo!) She wanted to own a pickup truck and blast ‘Wide Open Spaces’ by the Dixie Chicks until she reached that future! She had stars in her eyes, adventure in her veins, and life in her lungs. She definitely didn’t spend any time fretting about the details or the what-ifs (like I do now).

What did she want out of this life? What did she dream about? What can I learn from her 28 years later?

For now, I’m rediscovering instead of a reinventing. I found that dreamer still inside me… she’s slowly and courageously coming out to remind me where this all started. I’m building resilience more everyday and looking to God to restore the parts of me that were lost.

I still don’t have all the answers, but I don’t think that’s the point. I don’t have to have it all figured out before I start the next chapter. The finish line isn’t the story. The path getting there… now that is where the adventure happens and makes the finish line so worth the effort.

If you are reading my posts, I want to say thank you. I do this to document this season of my life… to reflect on the challenges, blessings, and my growth. But also, I know our stories help others. If my raw honesty, lessons learned, sufferings, and joys bring you any encouragement, then this journey is not in vain.
To God be the Glory.

Facing the unknown requires a different mindset. For me, it's time to dive into what God isn't revealing yet.

Spiritual editorial: I am diving in It was the first spring after my friends moved into their new house. They uncovered their in-ground pool early to find something that resembled more of a pond than a

This ain’t no picnic. Divorce is experienced in many parts: financial, emotional, physical, relational, and a disruption of what was familiar.
This liminal space is hard. I’m absolutely exhausted. Emptying one home of a lifetime of personal belongings that no longer serve me has been a long and difficult process. I can’t tell you how many trips I’ve taken back and forth, my car stuffed to the gills. It’s caused absolute chaos. Filling the basement of my apartment, sorting, selling, and saving is TAXING. Decision-fatigue is real.

With that said, I’m having a HUGE SALE. Call it a divorce-sale, a moving-sale, or a becoming-a-minimalist sale… all of it must go.
Please come to my house May 29-31 to support me in this transition.
515 Cypress St, Montoursville, PA
Furniture, Christmas, housewares, home goods/decor, Pfaltzgraff, jewelry, books, collectibles, etc. I have little of everything and a lot of some stuff 😄

I am so incredibly grateful to the friends and family who have helped me with this task. I couldn’t have done this without you!

Saying yes to His invitation to live for more… and chai tea.

My Peacemaking Testimony: printed in the Alliance Peacemaking Newsletter, Spring 2026
After eight weeks of classes and mediating a mock marriage conflict, I am officially an Alliance Peacemaking Mediator! This was an unexpected but God-ordained journey that began in 2022.
I didn’t see it coming. I was doing my best to honor God in all areas of my life, yet a train barreled toward me at full steam. Its cars were loaded with conflict and suffering, seemingly determined to take me out of the race.
My introduction to peacemaking came after the first car made impact. I found myself in the middle of a church-related conflict that required assistance from Alliance Peacemaking. My track record in handling conflict hadn’t won me any trophies, and this situation was no exception. I sat in judgment, expecting the other party to budge. However, it didn’t take long to identify my "flavor" of conflict: peacebreaker.
The peacemaking team redirected my attention to Christ in an entirely new way. The "heart work" sessions that followed caused a surprising pivot in my life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit—and a willingness to humble myself—my heart was transformed. Because I now carry Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, I view every conflict as an opportunity to glorify God.
Sadly, after many months of meetings and mediation, that church conflict did not end in reconciliation. I resigned from my position and left the church I had attended for over twenty years. It was heartbreaking to experience that level of brokenness, but I knew I had done all I could. Sometimes peacemaking looks like walking away. Several months later, the next few train cars hit my marriage. Once again, the Peacemaker became my lifeline.
In these circumstances, God continues to teach me to follow His ways in the face of trouble. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). This world is thirsty for peace and healing—true restoration that can only come from the fountain of Living Water. Biblical peacemaking brings hope to what seems hopeless and this is why I desire to share it with others. Even when outward reconciliation is not the end result, something fruitful still rises from the ashes of the pain.
Through these personal trials, I have experienced a growth in resilience and character, forging a hope truly worth holding onto. As Paul tells us, “...we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4 NIV).
Conflict and brokenness do not mean the story is over. In fact, God is just rolling up His sleeves. I hear Him say, “Watch me, daughter. You and me—we’re just getting started.”