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This was written about two weeks ago, but unfortunately, I didn’t date it.
This morning, after having my morning devotion and getting the kids set up for their morning homeschool lessons, I texted my family and close friends an update on my dad’s health. Like many others across the nation, he recently tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and because he is older and has underlying health issues, this worsened his experience with the virus. After sending everyone the update from my sister, who is the contact person for my dad, I reached in the cabinet and pulled out a mug to make a cup of coffee. Now that specific mug was not my first choice but, it was right in front ,so I just grabbed it. Just keep reading... Let’s go back an hour and a half ago though. I’d gotten up to do my daily devotional and the scripture I read was “my God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above anything I can think or imagine.” While reading I prayed, “Lord, touch this land and heal my dad!!” while also praying for health care workers, essential workers, and everyone in general—as many of us have. Needless to say, I was praying for my dad because his well-being was heavy on my heart. Every time I’d spoken to him recently, it sounded as if he was taking his last breath. It was scary. I mean, I was trying to talk to him and yet, I didn’t know what to say. Not to mention that I couldn’t go see him. So, what would typically be a visit was replaced by a phone call; we’d just sit and talk on the phone, which I know was uncomfortable for him. I’m going somewhere with my long story, just keep reading… Back to my mug. I pulled this blue mug out and thought, “I need to call my mom and see what she thinks about all of this.” Why did she come to mind at that moment? Why did I think to call her when I know I can’t? Two reasons, the scripture was one of her “go to’s” and the mug belonged to her. Not only was it her mug, but she was also the only one allowed to drink out of it. Every time, I’d try to use her mug she’d say, “Put, my mug back, I don’t want you to break it!” to which I’d faithfully reply, “What? I’m grown, how am I just going to break your mug by drinking out of it?” It was the lip of the mug that she loved, it curled over for easy sipping of hot coffee. To her, it was a treasure. Then one day, I go to visit and guess what the mug is available for anyone’s use. During a wash cycle either in the dishwasher or being hand washed (I never got the entire story), the lip of this most precious mug was chipped and it was up for grabs. So, of course I TOOK IT!!! I’m serious, I’m going somewhere with this, please keep reading… So, back to this morning!! The kids are settled, I’ve made me a cup of coffee, and I’m sitting at the kitchen table. I look at my phone and notice a notification from the group text with my moms’ sisters, her brother and a bunch of cousins. My mom’s sister had texted me. Now what do you think the text said? Do you know that my mom’s sister texted me the VERY SAME SCRIPTURE!? Coincidence … nope!!! God was reminding me that He’s in control… Yup!!! And, it made me smile! Me reading that same scripture just an hour or so ago, pulling out my mom’s favorite mug and then getting reminded of the very same scripture again was a gift. The mug isn’t fancy, but today her trash became my treasure. And what a treasure it is on a day like today. You know what else is a treasure? God’s word! Talk about an irreplaceable and indescribable treasure. Now after sending out my original text, I thought to myself, “I can just hear my mom quoting that verse, ‘My God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask or think (Eph 3:20).’” Then to get that text from my aunt, like right when I was thinking about it, wow! I just knew that was God telling me: Keep asking me (Matt 7:7). Keep praying (James 5:16). Keep praising me (Psalm 34:1). I will continue to give you joy even in this tough time (Psalms 100). Remember that I’m in control (Joshua 1:9). Don’t focus on life circumstances, focus on me (Col 3:1). I’m able to do it all and leave you speechless after I’ve done my work, you just see (Luke 1:37). Your mom believed in me and so can you!! (Psalm 37:25). Update: As of Sunday, April 18, 2020 … my dad was released from the hospital. He sounds so much better. Taking calls and making calls!!! No more shortness of breath!! Amen !!! I’m thanking the Lord for His mercy! For His keeping power and His hands of healing over my dad. Although he has to be quarantined for the week, he is doing much much better. Those were his words!!! He feels so much better. See Jessica, Your God is able to do exceedingly above and beyond what you can think or imagine. Lord, Thank you for do exceedingly abundantly more than I can imagine or think. Thank you for your healing hand over my father. Lord, I ask that you continue to cover and heal this Land as we are in some "not so normal times". Protect and keep those first responders. Protect and keep the doctors and nurses who are working day in and day out to help those in need. Protect the grocery store workers, the postal workers, all of those who are essential to us still living comfortably. Lord, we look to you for healing and comfort in these times. We praise you because you have been good to us. Thank you Father for your Love. Strengthen us!!! Give us the desire to continue to seek after you. In Jesus name Amen Talk about a new year! So much has happened since the beginning of the new year. And it can be hard to wrap our minds around it all. Some of us either A) want to hop into a time machine and escape to a much simpler time, while others would like to B) speed up time to bypass the crisis altogether. On any given day, I can be person A or person B. Not realizing that neither person A or B have it right.
Why don't they have it right? Because I'm not content with where I am. You and I are where we're supposed to be right at this very moment in history. I am Jessica born on 6/18, the same day as Nathan from Boyz II Men(hey they're still my faves and I share a birthday with one ... yeah I have to brag about it & will mention it whenever someone asks when's my birthday). So, like I was saying, I was born on 6/18 at 6:18 am and I was created on that day and time to be right where I am on this day and at this time. I am where I'm supposed to be and life around me is happening just as God planned it. Sometimes it will be scary, sad, heart breaking, difficult, happy, joyful, peaceful, or exciting but this is where I'm supposed to be. Life around us these days is shaky, unstable, flip floppy, and you may be experiencing fear and anxiety. You and I may have some sad and even toxic thoughts running through our minds. Possibly a few what if's. Maybe even a couple of "lets hope and pray not's! Just thoughts. Tons of them. We'r worried about our spouses, getting the necessities and what will may come home with us when we go out for groceries. We're worried about our kids, our health, finances, job stability, homeschooling, family, friends. We're wondering when can we go back to our normal lives. I wish this was an April fools prank but its not. Its real life. But in all of that, here's what I know for sure... Deuteronomy 31:6 ... because of Christ, I am strong and courageous. I will not fear or be afraid! My Lord WILL go with me, will not fail us or abandon us. Psalms 18:2 ... My Lord is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my strength, my shield, my salvation, my high tower John 3:16 ... my God loves me so that He died for my sins and desires a relationship with me Romans 8:28 ... all things (even these things) will work together for all of our good Philippians 4 ... I will rejoice and rejoice again, I have no need to be anxious, but I will remain prayerful, my God will give me so much peace (way beyond my understanding), I can think on things of good, I can and will have the strength to get through this and so much more and I won't forget that my Lord will supply ALL of my needs. I got a chance to talk to my cousin the other day and we were just talking about world news and life around us and how we were coping. We talked about how even in the midst of this, our God is good. We have what we need. Food in the fridge, money to get that food. Heat, electricity and even forms of entertainment. We both were very thankful for our Lord keeping us and those around us safe. I am thankful. Let's all be thankful. I encourage you to take some time and read over the scriptures listed above. Then over the next eight days, we will focus on Philippians 4 together. Grab a journal and a pen with a cup of coffee and SOAP out one scripture a day. We are all in this together. I've created two downloads for you. One explains the S.O.A.P method and the next is the list of scriptures we will focus on. Check back with me over the next eight days as I will post my thoughts and concerns and prayers to share with you. Lord, I thank you for another day! I thank you for each and every lady(gentleman, teen, child) who is reading this. I ask that you speak to our hearts right now. Reveal to us what you will. Then help us to move according to your will. Lord we are asking that you press into you so that you will heal our land. Be with those who are working to help us stay safe. We ask for your wisdom to get us through. We thank you in advance for your love, your grace and your mercy towards us. In your son's name we pray, Amen I've been sinning and I'm in need of repentance. So here's my prayer.
Lord, forgive me please because I know you've been giving me messages for those around me and I haven't been doing my job of getting those messages out for people to hear (well in this case read). I've allowed the enemy's voice and my own disobedience stand in the way of doing what I know you've called me to do. I've allowed that voice in my head that says to me "no one is going to understand your gibberish and your grammar is all out of place. Look at that punctuation is wrong. You call yourself a writer, yeah no one is going to understand this much less enjoy it. Oh, you're going to try to explain that experience and use that scripture, umm yeah naw that isn't used in the right context. Lord, I am so sorry!!! Please forgive me! Please, Lord forgive me!! I'm so upset with myself right now because I've allowed time to waste. Here I have notebook after notebook with notes, that I know you wanted me to share that was to help someone (even if it was just one). Even if that person wasn't to find these writings until March of 2025, you told me to do it and I didn't. Momma always used to say "delayed obedience is still disobedience." My delayed writings could have been used to help someone and it should have been written and shared in some type of form just as you requested. And even in the last week alone, you've told me to write this and I started doing something else and didn't do it! Disobedience! Please Lord forgive me! Honestly right now, I'm scared! Will you accept my sorry! I know that you will but my feelings and my gut are saying no. I missed my chance! Even as I'm typing this out and I know others may read this, I'm feeling like this is what I need to do but I really want to hit the backspace button because no one will understand my pain. You really aren't going to forgive me. And the words, you messed up is floating in my head. Those are my feelings and I'm so glad that you are understanding of my feelings but you want to remind me of what your word says. Your word says to me... The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide; neither will he keep anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:8-12 Thank you Lord for accepting my sorry and repentance. Give me the strength that I need to do what you've called me to do. Help me to be bold in my approach and do your will. Remove fear and doubt that will creep in to keep me from being obedient. Lord, I ask that you create in me right now a clean heart and an open ear to hear you clearly. In Jesus Name Amen Want to read more Psalms 103 Romans 8: 35-39 Proverbs 3:5 Hey hey hey
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! The other day my kids asked me “Mom, what’s going to be your New Years results?” Lil’ Corn asked me “You mean, my New Years resolutions?” “Yeah!” Elsie shouted out “Wait, it doesn’t matter because adults always make resolutions and they never keep them!”, replied lil’ corn. But as I thought about it, what were my resolutions going to be? Last year was nice but with a new year doesn’t the thought of an upgrade sound spectacular. Well, I am hoping and praying a few things do get upgraded this year for my family but in the mean time, I plan on focusing on what I know was good for me last year that I can bring into this year. And that was Jesus!! He was really good to me last year! Sometime last year, I came across Jen’s blog at prayerfulplanner.com and since then I’ve been hooked. Although I haven’t purchased an actual planner from her yet ( I really plan on using hers this year), I have taken advantage of her monthly scripture writing worksheets. Because I subscribe to her blog, each month I receive a newsletter along with two freebies, the scripture writing worksheet and planning stickers page. This scripture writing has allowed me to get into Gods word daily and with the daily journal prompt, I’m also able to reflect on the verse I’ve read and written out. This is a perfect add on to my daily devotion time. Why am I telling you about Jen’s blog?? Uh 🙄 Duh! I want you to click the link below (there’s no commitment to subscribe but you should), download the scripture writing worksheet for January and join me on the journaling journey!! All you have to do it take 15 mins out of your day, look up the scripture, write it out and answer the journal prompt. “But, my days are just so busy, Jess! I’m going to be honest with you, I just don’t have the time to sit and write. “ I know, I know but you need to make time!!! Get up 15 mins earlier( if you do and it works .. let me know how that works out for you, nope haven’t mastered that skill yet, lol 😆) and have your quiet time then. I myself still get up a few times in the night with a 2 year old so my early mornings are more like late mornings. So my day may look like this 5:45 up with my older kids, dressed and ready for school 6:30 they are out the door and I will sit, pray, read a devotional (then my eyes will fall asleep) 7am the baby and I take a little nap 12:30-1:00 nap time for the baby and Just Jesus and Jess time begins This is where I bring out my bibles(yes I have a few versions, journals, color pencils, pens, stickers), turn on some music and get into His word. “Well, I’m not a stay at home mom like you and get to doodle in my Bible all day.” I know!!! How about at the end of the day. after the kids have gone to sleep. Grab you a cup of tea, hot chocolate, or coffee(that would be me), your bible, a notebook (I know you have some lying around) and some color pencils. And here’s what we’re going to do!! I’m going to post every Wednesday my thoughts on the scripture. Jess, it’s already day 6, we would have to play catch up!! This is your journey, I haven’t started myself( the kids go back tomorrow ... it’s going to be on like donkey Kong) but I will either skip a few sheets and start with day 6. Or I will catch up on the weekends or just start with day one today and I will probably end up finishing in February!! Join me here on Wednesday, January 8th and we will discuss that days scripture. So go ahead and download your scripture worksheet today. Here is the referral link to subscribe to PrayerfulPlanner.com http://i.refs.cc/exxXyyP4?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjo0MTA1MDUwMjN9 2020!! We made it to 2020! Can you believe that? So, first let's start off in prayer and thanking our God for bringing us into this new year and new decade. Father God, we come to you on today January 1, 2020!! We thank you for allowing us to see this new sunny Wednesday morning. We thank you for bringing us into a new year. We thank you for allowing us to see this new decade. Lord, work on our hearts that they will be more dedicated to you and your will for our lives. Help guide us along a path that pleases you and brings you glory. Forgive us for anything that we've said, done, didn't say or didn't do in 2019 or before and make us new. Cleanse us of the things that isn't of you. You allowed us to see this new year, help us to see You clearly. Allow us to see our lives through your eyes. Help us to walk boldly and unashamedly daily. Help us to stay on the path following in your footsteps that will guide us to where you want us to go. Keep our eyes and feet walking right behind you and not looking back. Help us to keep from swaying to the right or the left. We thank you right now for all that you have instore for us this year. We want to make you proud. In your sons name we pray Amen As we were getting closer and closer to this date, I was getting more anxious than most people. Why? I just was having a hard time wrapping my mind around that just 20 years ago we were all in a frenzy of what was going to happen with the clocks struck 12 am on 1/1/2000. I remember my mom filling up the bathroom sink and the tub before leaving out for church on New Years eve '99. Last year, I realized that I have been out of high school for 20 years. SAY WHAT? Oh no that can't be. You know you hear people saying, "oh I've been out of school for 5, 10, 15, 20 years" and you think that's a long way away. Nope!! It's really right around the corner. Time waits for NO ONE!!! 2019, I started a few things and then I allowed other things to stop me from doing them. One of which is this specific blog. I'm no scholar, I'm not a teacher, I don't have a degree behind my name but I just wanted to share with you a few thoughts that I felt the Lord telling me. Just because you (Jess) didn't; get it done last year, doesn't mean you (Jess) have to give up on it. As I have prayed about my blog, I believe that the Lord is putting me in a place where I HAVE TO BE OBEDIENT this year. I have notebooks upon notebooks of lessons that I believe the Lord wants me to share. So quick side story and then I'm going to let you all go back to your New Years Day. Early November, I was able to attend Lifeway's You Lead conference and Going Beyond with Priscilla Shirer (y'all remember my girl in prayer. She and her family loss their momma matriarch Lois Evans just a few days ago. Lord, we ask that you give comfort and peace to Dr. Tony Evans, Chrystal, Priscialla, Anthony, Jr., and Johnathan during this time of bereavement. We thank you for the lessons taught by momma Lois. We thank you for sharing her husband with all of us. We thank you for the healing that you provided on behalf of her body the first time around and we thank you that the family was able to spend the holidays with her. Give them the peace and comfort that only you can give at this time. Give them the peace that passes all of their understandings. Thank you in advance, Father!! Thank you!! in your son's name we all pray... AMEN!!) During one of her talks she was talking about stepping out and doing what we know God has called us to do. She she goes on to to list things that people do and just as clear as day the second idea that came out of her mouth was "you've been feeling lead to start a blog, do it. Even if no one ever reads it. God called you to do it, do it! " Now, she could have named opening a salon, starting a preschool or even something more closer to a blog like writing an article for your church newspaper and I would have let it go in one ear and out the other but no she specifically said BLOG. Now someone could have heard salon, preschool, or even article, but I heard Blog. It reminded me of the beginning of Acts 2 when Peter is teaching the gospel and all the people heard in their own languages. Now, I know that that's not the exact same thing but what if the Lord had each person in that room hear what they are supposed to be doing. I specifically heard her say the word BLOG. So, I'm sitting there like okay God, okay Lord, I can't keep running away from this. I have to do it. 2019 was my exodus of "not doing what I know I'm supposed to be doing"! Looks like I'm off to a good start (because this was supposed to have been posted last night), but I'm not going to let my procrastination or even fear stop me. Its a new year and a you too can walk into 2020 with the same perspective of God doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19) (or even an upgrade of last year) in you. This blog isn't the only thing I have on my list of things to do this year and beyond. I plan on starting off small and working my way up, it all doesn't have to get done in one day. I just ask that the Lord will grant me strength to do this. Among doing this blog, I also want to increase my personal time with the Lord. Making Him first. Taking all my ideas and plans before him first. You to can do this also. Don't let your past stop you from doing what you know you need to be doing. I know l was kinda all over the place today but I had to say what I needed to say. I also know that my grammar and punctuation may have not been the best (remember its been 20 years ... lol). I just wanted to encourage you this New Years day to KEEP MOVING, KEEP MOVING, KEEP GROWING, KEEP GOING ... WE GOT THIS!! SMOOCHES assisted by Elsie R Godfrey Hey Gals It's Hump Day!! How was your day? Thank you for coming in and joining me today, I’m super excited to chat with you! Sooo, how are you doing? How has the scripture writing going along? Now, I know you didn’t get the post till late Monday night and probably didn’t read it ( full from the Labor Day food ... you went home and fell out on the bed, all that food you ate) till Tuesday! Don’t worry about that, I’ve set it up where you can have a makeup day on Saturday's. For real, don’t worry you will be fine. The important parts are to keep praying, keep reading, keep writing and most importantly KEEP SEEKING!!! Today’s Scripture says O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirstiest for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. - Psalms 63:1 What a powerful cry for help or need is screaming from this verse. Can you hear it? Can you imagine David for a minute out in the wilderness hiding (from either Saul or his son Absolom) and crying out to the Father O God, thou art my God Hey God, it’s me David or in this case it’s me Jessica. Look you are my God and I kinda need you right now! Thou art my God, um hello I belong to you. Early, will I seek thee. Oh my goodness, this was a punch in the face, because I’m not an early rising person. David here is up really early, out in the wilderness seeking for God. I am a momma of three( all three were up last night at different times btw the hours of like 11:30 -2:30). So when I get up, tell the Lord thank you and gets the kids ready to get out the door on time. There are many times, I have to remind myself that it’s okay that I did have my quiet quiet time. The enemy is slick, he can have me going the entire day thinking that God will punish me for not sitting with him early in the day. Jessica, don’t believe that lie. This morning my study time happened after the kids were gone and my baby has had her breakfast and now sitting watching Nick Jr. for a minute. But I do know one thing, when I do get my quiet time. I thank the Lord and then I ask him to forgive me for not making that my number one priority. I walk in that forgiveness and keep going. I get out my Bible and gets to reading and studying. Now, the next thing I’m going to say is I do my quiet time BEFORE Facebook, IG, emails and on most days texts( if it’s not serious ... it has to wait) or anything else that can consume my time, that quality time ( like when my baby is engaged with Nick jr or Sesame Street for a good 30-45 minutes). We see here that to David, seeking is a priority to him. I know the Lord wants me to seek him early but I also know that he knows the job he’s given me as a momma. Tonight that means an earlier bedtime( y’all pray for me because I don’t know how to get in the bed). So that when the kids come in and wake me up, I would have gotten at least a few hours of sleep. So that when morning comes, I can be like David and be up a little early. David goes on to say My Soul thirst for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirty land where no water is. I like David know that I can’t be without digging into God’s word or I will become dry. Just as if I were in the driest of driest deserts. I would need water to survive! In order to live a full and abundant life (John 10:10), I need to seek after Jesus daily. My soul and flesh can’t function off just a little bit of Jesus on Sunday while the preacher is preaching, maybe a song on the way to work or school on Monday, then a quick prayer on Wednesday while looking for a parking space in the grocery store parking lot, then maybe opening my bible on Sat morning for five minutes (knowing that the kids are not going to let me have any serious quiet time) just so God knows we still cool and what not... NO! No! That’s not good enough. My soul needs and longs for the Lord and in order for me to stay hydrated, I must drink from that living water. Questions, Comments or Concerns refer them to the comment section please. Before we leave, let’s pray Father God, we thank you for this new day that has brought new mercies! Thank you for protection and safety through out the nights. Today Lord I ask that you speak to me (us) regarding how much we prioritize You in my life. Give me the desire to realize that I’m thirsty for you and that only you can provide me with what my soul thirst after and for what my flesh longs for. Forgive me for seeking after things that are not of you. Help me to do better. In your sons name I pray Amen Smooches girlies ... talk to you soon Jess Joy Chalkboard Print was done by ME !!! sun was shining bright, so this was me trying to be a photographer!! LOL My Bible, Notebook, a bunch of color pens and pencils and a large cup of coffee. Comment if you want me to tag where I got my journaling supplies I do not own the rights to this video nor am I an affiliated with this company.
I just like this commercial
Hi gals, welcome back to my blog!! OMGoodness look at the last blog post date, yup it’s been a minute. So much has been going on, so much! Let’s see I had a baby, both of the older kids are now in 1st and 3rd grade, my husband finished his masters and we changed church memberships. I've been writing but just hadn't taken the time to post for your reading pleasure. With all these new things, I've been trying my hardest at keeping my #1, my #1!! Who is my #1? Umm, hello Jesus! My maker, my creator, my father, my friend, my source, my provider, the one who loved me so much that he died for me (John 3:16). I’m trying yall. I am trying, I really am! It's September!!! Happy New Year to me and you!!! Happy new school season. I know its not January 1st but it's never too late to start fresh. Isn't it nice to know that you can always say...”Today, I will begin again”. So I thought maybe, just maybe we could start this new season off with a fresh start. A fresh start in seeking Jesus. Maybe you are new to this walk with Jesus and you just haven't figured it all out (side note... none of us have, so don't run away from this) or maybe you're like me, someone whose been on Jesus side for a minute, but still feeling like you're missing something and you just need more. Just like my girl Erica Campbell sings ”I need just a little more Jesus!” Yeah, that's me! I've been happy, sad, bitter, mad, not so patient, fearful, anxious, giddy, happy again, just everyday emotions all over the place. Instead of letting, sadness, fear, disgust, and anger take control. I need to allow my Lord to sit at the command center give me joy! In order for that joy to come over me, I need to set aside time to truly seek after my Jesus. I have time to do this and that, watch this and that, to go here and there oh and way over there but are you, Jessica, making time to seek after the one person that truly matters. To be honest, I am not! That's about to change. My first step was taking out that time to sit, listen, talk, pray, read, and write. The second step is just about done and that was sitting down and typing out this invitation to you! My third step is to actually post this. I have this habit of writing and sometimes even typing out bits and pieces without finishing and hitting post. The enemy creeps and beats me up pretty bad and I get up and walk away. “They don’t want to hear this!! They’ve already been told that! What makes you an expert on this topic. Oh girl, please, remember what you did last week ... um do you think you’ve truly been forgiven?” Those are just a few of the many things he’s said to be to allow fear to step in and push me away from what I feel the Lord calling me to do. Then just last week, I was listening to the podcast Risen Motherhood where the show hosts talked about their new book Risen Motherhood and how they had to face those same fears. Looks like I've gotten off topic a bit. So, I’ve compiled this list of scriptures for the month of September for us to meditate and ponder on together. One scripture a day, read it, read it again. I find it helpful to go back to the beginning of the chapter or that section find the right context and to get a better understanding. Grab a fresh notebook for this month and write out the day’s scripture verse or verses. It always makes me feel good, clean pages!! New stationery always excite me, this is my 2nd most favorite time of the year! Did someone say SCHOOL SUPPLIES? Then your going to answer the journal prompts and if you're feeling extra creative decorate your page for the day. I’m going to be hopping on the blog every Wednesday ( like the camel says it ”HUMP DAY”) to share with you what's going on with me and my quiet time of seeking and learning. I've been praying that these scriptures will pierce your heart to seek and follow after Jesus for all your days! Hope you join me!! smooches JessiGirl P.s. I've also attached the live video of Johnthan McReynolds song Make Room! I do not own the rights to this song. I just love the way he tells the Lord that he has a desire to make room just for Him because he know that Jesus is really all he needs. Okay now that is all ... let's chat on Wednesday Hey gals(and guys), tell me what's on your list of things to do today? Let's see, I got up this morning, spoke to the Lord, got the kids some breakfast, slipped on some clothes and walked down my street about 6-8 houses to the end of the block to the neighborhood community center and I VOTED!!! Yes, yes I did, I VOTED!
I'm going to be honest, I really wish that President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama would just stay in the White House for four more years, but I had to go and vote for someone today. And I did just that, I VOTED!!! Although I was very anxious about today (for some reason I was up worrying about what the outcome would be and what would take place after the final tally was done), Philippians 4:6 says just as clear as day "Do not be anxious about anything( whoever will be the next President of the United States), but in every situation(going to vote, finding out the results of my vote) by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving( thank you Lord for my right to vote), present your request to God(Lord, you are the creator of this Earth and you knew long before you created us from the dust that on this day we would be voting and you knew then who would be the next Commander in Chief. Lord, allow your will to be done). So with that on my mind, I rolled over, said a prayer and went back to sleep. I'm going to be honest again here, I'm not going to be sitting in front of CNN or Fox News all day waiting to find out the results. I can really wait till I see the headlines in the morning. My civic duty was to vote and I did just that, I VOTED!! I've been privileged to have being able to vote for a President at least 4 times now. I'm going to be honest one of those elections in which President Bush was running, I don't remember voting. I'm going to believe it was his for his first term. I'm going to be honest again, I did vote both times for President Obama (he's just to cool, what's not to like about him). We made history by electing our first African American President into office. My people died, my people fought long and hard to have the right to vote and I wasn't going to let that right slip through my fingers. So, I did what I was supposed to do, I VOTED!!! Now, I can't tell you who's going to be the best official to step in to the oval office and do the best job but I did what I was required to do, I VOTED!! I can't tell you who to vote for or if they will keep their promises once they are in office but I did what I was supposed to do, I VOTED!! Once the all the voting is done, we must submit to those in office, says Romans 13:1. We may suck our teeth and roll our eyes but remember God doesn't allow things to happen or put people in office that he doesn't want to happen or to have in office. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, For there is no power but of God; the powers that be ordained by God(Romans 13:1). God has the final say and we must learn to be okay with it and submit to his will(whether that will is President Hilary Clinton or President Donald Trump... I know, I know, I know saying one of those or even both of those names with the title President can be a little scary). God knows what he's doing. We just have to trust him. I've decided to trust him and I did what I was supposed to do, I VOTED!! Did you?? Lord, we thank you again for today. Lord, we ask that you go before us on today like never before. You told us that if we humble ourselves and pray, seek your face, turn from our wicked ways then you would hear from heaven, and you will forgive our sins and will heal our Land( 2 Chronicles 7:14). Lord, we are seeking you today. We are asking that you guide our hearts toward you and lead us in the way that will bring your glory. Lord, there are many of us out here that have a true desire to seek you but Lord we aren't going to fake it we need your strength and your power. We are asking for a healing over our land on today. Be with each candidate on today as they wait for results. We are asking right now that you touch their hearts and that the animosity that may be boiling up will simmer down and be turned off. We are asking for peace as results come in. We are asking for Peace. Thank you Lord for those who fought so that many of us could vote. Thank you Lord for those right now who are still fighting for the rights of others. Thank you Lord for those who are out now exercising their right to vote. Lord, we are praying for Peace. Lord, I'm praying for peace. Thank you Lord for who you are to us. Allow us never to forget what you did for us. Thank you Lord for all that you're doing for us and through us. We thank you!! In Jesus Name Amen smooches girls talk to you soon This weekend my husband and I attended the Pastors, Ministers and Wives retreat for our church and during the wives' session the question was presented to us along the lines of sitting at the feet of Jesus. I think it was more like "Are you resting at the feet of Jesus?" The question has been asked of me not just once before but more than a few times over the course of the last two years. And for the past few years, I've been struggling to truly rest at Jesus' feet and to truly give him all of my doubts, concerns, worries, fears and desires(one of which was to start this blog. Go figure!! I've been wrestling with it since before my daughters birth who will be four in December)
The story in Luke 10:38-42 goes like this Jesus is traveling with his disciples and they are headed to Martha's house. Upon their arrival her sister Mary is there also, but she's sitting at Jesus's feet, intentionally listening to what he had to say(yes this is the same Mary and Martha whose brother had died and Jesus raised from the dead). I wonder what He could have been telling her to have her sit so still. He could have been talking about his love for her and how he was about to die for her sins. He could have been telling her about the year 2016 and how this thing called the internet was going to take over and then about the social media buzz. He could have been telling her about how the story of just her sitting at his feet listening to him was going to move women(and men) to realize that there are going to be times where you're going to just have to sit at my feet. All we know today is that Mary forgot about everyone and anything around her to listen to her Lord. Now here comes Martha! She's scrambling and running around trying to finish what she needed to do. Wonder if Martha was like that all the time, trying to get things together, planning and organizing, running all around town. She forgot to get the sugar, gotta run to the neighbors, then she needed butter, gotta run back over to the neighbors. She's thinking to herself with a cluttered mind, "Need to finish the bread, set the table, got the lemons for the lemonade, 1,2,3, okay 12 disciples, one Jesus, Mary and myself"(counting in her head the number of people she needs to serve). Once she's back in the house, she still sees Mary through her own eyes just sitting. "All this work that needs to be done and this girl is still sitting! "Lord!" she asked Jesus, do you not care that I'm up slaving and running around here like a chicken with no head, trying to prepare a meal for you? Tell her to help me", she demands. Before we move on, do you see how she talks to the Lord? She demands that he tell Mary to get up and do the work that needed to be done. He could have turned around and said "Girl, do you know who you're talking to like that?" That would have put her in her place. But no, the Bible says he said "Martha, Martha(He probably had to say her name twice because her attention was focused elsewhere), "You are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. I'm not going to take that away from her." The Lord is trying to tell Martha, you really need to be doing what Mary is doing. She's "resting" at my feet and listening to what I have to say, this is some important information that you my dear will want to know also. After reading this over and over, I realized that I was not Mary but I was Martha. I had gotten so busy with life(i.e.. myself, my husband, my children, the church, special occasions within the church, my job, hanging out with family and friends, I could go on) that I had forgotten even what it means to sit and talk quietly with the Lord. So, here I am now asking "Please Lord, forgive me for not resting in you. Help me to slow down and reconnect with you." Mary wasn't the only one who knew that sitting down at Jesus' feet was necessary. Remember the story of the man with the demons? Luke 8:25 says that after the Lord cast the demons out of the man, HE SAT AT JESUS' FEET! He knew what was up! He knew that he needed to stay as close to Jesus as he could. Mary knew that she needed at that time to be as close to Jesus as she could. She knew that the words coming out of Jesus' mouth were going to be useful for her. She knew that just by sitting next to him she was going to be at peace. This is something that I'm learning also, Jessi Girl, you need to stay as close to Jesus as you can darlin'!! I need to ask God to remove these demons that come in and take control over me. You may ask, "What demons do you have Jessica?? Someone as sweet and kind and loving as you(shall I go on ... naw I think I will stop right there) , you can't possibly have any demons! Girl bye!!! I have several and let me name them guilt, doubt, insecurity, failure, Ms. Attitude and yes the list could go on. I've decided to be intentional in sitting at the feet of Jesus, indulging myself in his word (not just reading the story in the Our Daily Bread book but reading the scripture, then using the reference guide in my Bible to cross reference those scriptures), I'm listening to more worship music to help soothe my quiet time (feel free to sing along with the song and don't worry if you start crying). Another thing that I've decided to do is to turn off my t.v. ( oh, you want to see a couch potato? Look no further. Don't let the wedding of DeWayne and Whitley be airing, give me a bowl of cereal, my blanket, because I'm not getting up for the next hour you can guarantee that). Wondering why you haven't seen me on Facebook lately? This is why! I was getting caught up in the lives of others instead of getting caught up in the life Jesus had designed for me. Please don't knock me down; I never said that there was anything wrong with Facebook. I had become with one with the problem and needed my own intervention. Jesus was asking me to come sit with him and I would be sitting there on the couch but instead of having my face looking down in his word, i was scrolling on my timeline. Daily life was pushing me further and further away from my daily quiet time with the Lord. Don't think that I've perfected this, because nope I haven't this the beginning of a big work project in progress. I ask that you keep me in prayer as I'm intentionally seeking the Lord for his wisdom and guidance over my life as his daughter, his princess, as a wife, as a mom, as a daughter, as a sister, as a granddaugther, a neiece, an aunt, a cousin, a girlfriend, an employee, a ministers wife, a church member, and now as a blog writer, and whoever else God has designed me to be in the future. Until next time my love, Smooches JessiGirl |
Jessica ReneeHey gals (and guys)!! I'm Jessica, but my friends call me Jess. I'm a believer of Jesus Christ, the one who was born of a virgin, was beaten and bruised for my sins and then on one bright sunny Sunday(those are my favorite days), He rose from the dead for my sins. I'm a wife to this loving, caring and extra silly guy named Cornelius and the mom to Cornelius and lil miss Elsie & lady Priscilla. I hope and pray that this blog will encourage you as you "intentionally" seek Jesus Christ to be the head of your life. So grab your laptop(iPad, phone, etc.), a cup of coffee(or tea) your favorite blanket curl up on the couch and let's chat, cause girl I have some stories to share with you!!! Archives
April 2020
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