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
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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 |
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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