Trading My Sorrows - Darrell Evans

I was sitting in Bible Study tonight, and I was reflecting on what was being said about "Walking with God". A few things stuck out in my mind.

God may oppose situations unbeknownest to us . . . Hmm . . . That really struck a chord in me. I was thinking about how I have had opportunities that seemed perfect at the time, but I chalked it up to be not the right time. God may have opposed that situation for it would be a distraction on His path for me. The scripture reference was 2 Corinthians 4:8 - "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" (TNIV, 2005). Obviously, Darryl Evans knew what he was doing when he wrote this song, "Trading My Sorrows". It is sprung from the scriptures, as most songs of praise are written. Listen to the words in the video posted above.

No matter what the situation, God is still there with opened arms, waiting. He is waiting for us to continue that journey towards the ultimate prize. Listen to God. Give Him all of your problems and sorrows. He is the only one that can handle it.

New Year, New Everything . . .

It's 2011 . . .

I have a plethora of thoughts going through my head currently about this new year. It is unbelievable what God can allow you to dream up when something new comes around. So, 2011 . . . I am looking forward to a year of priceless memories and learning more through the study of Isaiah with God and His Word.

I want to continue my journey to self discovery with missions. I am not sure about where God wants me to be regarding this life, but currently I still get to touch 1200children during the week. That is a ministry right now. I will be taking a class at my church entitled Mission Shift. I am hoping that I can learn more about where and how God is leading me in missions and service to Him.

At the end of 2010, I saw some remarkable signs or instances that made me realize that I am on the correct path for my life. It may sound strange, but I do not believe in coincidences. I believe that God puts people, things, and even unexplained messages into our lives. December was a month full of God and His glory, not only because we celebrated His birth, but because of some instances.

I was reminded this year about a tattoo that my grandfather had on his arm. I know you are thinking, "What does a tattoo have to do with a sign from God"? Keep reading . . . I always thought that my grandfather's tattoo was a dog, but my dad told me that it was a bluebird. I was extremely close to my grandfather (We called him Papa). I did some research on this bluebird, and military men would get these tattoos when they went a certain amount of miles overseas. My Papa served in the Philippines. Anyway, my Bible study leader gave us a gift at one of our fellowships. It was this angel with an object or thing in it's hands. Needless to say, I got an angel with a bird in it's hands. I know that I received that angel from my Bible study leader (who does not know about the bluebird connection), but I know that God wanted me to receive that angel to remind me to live my life to make God and my Papa proud.

About two weeks ago, my world was turned upside down with the confirmation news that my ex-husband and his wife are expecting. I really had moments of anger and jealousy due to the fact that I am still alone, as far as a helpmate. That evening, I posted a response something like, "I really need a miracle". I was not referring to anything in particular, I just wanted to feel good about myself. My sister sent me a message the next day. She wanted to know who sent me the message, "What if the miracle has already happened"? I asked her what she was talking about. I had not received any messages. On her phone, she could read that someone sent me that message. I never received the message on my phone, but God knew that I needed to hear that, where ever the source came from.

So, 2011 . . . I am ready to see, serve, and succumb to God and His plan for my life. I am ready to fly like the bluebirds, even if I have to relocate. Therefore, my background has changed to some birds. The birds remind me to relax, place things in God's Hands, and fly away/clear my mind when needed.

Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me

You know, I really have found an appreciation for the young country singer, Taylor Swift. I love her song, "You Belong with Me". It reminds me of a time where I thought things could end in a different manner for me. Anyway, I was singing the song, in my car this evening, and I thought about how God is like a few of the lyrics.

"Dreaming bout the day when you wake up and find that what you're, lookin for has been here the whole time; If you could see that I'm the one who understands you, been here all along so why can't see? You belong with me (Swift)"

Why search for things that do not or might exist in your life? Be grateful for everything and every person that God brings in and out of your life on a daily basis. There is a reason for all of these people and occurrences. God places all of these incidentals into your life, whether you are a believer or not.

Many people will wake up one day, and they will wonder why God does not appear to be with them. Actually, God never left; they left God. God does not always give us what we want out of life; it is His plan that he is going to carry out. In my BSF study of Isaiah, we discussed a passage about how God does not leave us, but we left Him. Hopefully, you will decide to stick with Him. Without Him, I do not know where my life would be.

We belong with God, no matter the circumstance, good or bad. He understands you, and He is always with you. You just have to believe that He is there, all the time (no matter what). We (including myself) need to rely on Him; let Him be that person who "has been here the whole time" (Swift).

Maybe God will answer some of our earthly prayer requests this coming year in 2011.

Grace and Peace!

J Dub (Some of my students have nicknamed me that!)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow . . .

As I reflect on the many different events of 2010, I realize that there truly is a somewhere over the rainbow. I live in a day and time where life is not fair. People who repeatedly sin, and do things to displease God, constantly are blessed.

You have the feelings of jealously and anxiety about your life. You wonder what road to take, which one God wants you to take. You just must step out into that path. You constantly second guess yourself due to your insecurities. I have seen repeatedly the last week and a half, that God may be blessing those people, but God still blesses me in His way. I may not see it, but He is watching over me.

God is that somewhere over the rainbow. He is the giver of "the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true"; whether they are the dreams that we dream, or the one that He has planned for us.

I am sure that God really does have something big planned for all of our lives. Right now, all that I can see is that God has His hand on my life. I am not going to intervene in His schedule. I am waiting for when, "the clouds are far behind me, where troubles melt like lemon drops, high above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me".

God is in control. I am ready for that somewhere, whether here or there. I am blessed beyond belief. I just need to realize it every day. I need to bless others as well.

So, in 2011 . . .

I am going to ask God to reveal His plan. I am praying that God will encourage and uplift me through friends and family. I would love a significant other, but it is up to God. I am not going to push God, anymore. I want to seek out more ways to share God and His love. I want to encourage others to do the right thing in their lives for their sakes. I want to see my daughter truly happy every day, not just on some. I want my daughter to know the love of an earthly father, since she knows the love of her Heavenly Father.

I could continue that list, but I have given myself a tall order. I am asking that you pray for me in 2011, and I will pray for you, too!

Love and peace!!

Jess

DC Talk - Jesus Is Just Alright

Jesus is still alright with me . . .

Do you ever convince yourself that you are alright with the way your life is being played out? I constantly do this. I am okay. Life is good. God loves me, and I try to do my best for Him. I teach my child about God and His love. I try to make sure that I have a Godly attitude in all that I say and do. Then . . . screech . . . things come to a crashing halt.
You realize that things are not alright. Your life has changed dramatically due to circumstances beyond your control. You have no way to make things better. Then, you notice that everyone around you has that picture perfect family, and you are alone. You have lived a good life, and you just want what everyone else has, a chance at being happy. You have let your human nature take control, instead of giving this situation to God.
God never promised Christians happiness. He promised them so much more than that. He has promised them love, mercy, protection, eternal life, plus many more attributes. To borrow a phrase from the fire safety, “We just need to stop, drop, and roll “. We need to stop those thoughts, drop to our knees, and pray to God. He will lead into the right direction. He will give us guidance regarding any situation. We can seek out advice from others, but it will never suffice to God’s advice. We must seek out answers from the ultimate guru, God, because “Jesus is still alright, Jesus is still alright” (DC Talk). Watch the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NqCccV6Y31s

Holidays and the blues . . .

I believe that the holiday blues have set in already (No, I do not consider Halloween a holiday). I can't explain it really, but I believe that it stems back from the fact that I am not feeling all giddy inside. The holidays are not about the giddiness (If that is a word); they are simply remembering what God has blessed us with (I have also had a problem with this department as well).

The hard part comes from the fact that you see all these lovely families, the mothers and fathers with their children. Don't get me wrong; I have a lovely family (my parents, sister, friends, and daughter). I want that "happy life" with the immediate family. God does not always promise us happiness and a family. That is not an easy pill to swallow.

It is even harder, when you receive a glimpse of what your life could be, then it is put "on hold" for minor reasons that are out of your control. Again, God does not want us to be in control. We have to allow Him to be in control (I struggle with this as well).

So, give everything to God, whether big or small, and He will give you comfort. I know what I need to do, so I will do just that. I have to take life as God gives it.

I am reminded on a daily basis as to how short life is . . . I need to live life as though it is my last. I must seek opportunities to share God and how He has worked in my life. I might need to take that leap of faith, and be real. I need to remember that God is always with me no matter what happens.