In the Middle of the Drama

I just started a new Beth Moore bible study in our women's meeting at church. Everytime I spend any time with Beth I am so amazed at the gifts God has given her! But let me tell you...there is nothing like a Beth Moore study to make you feel like you are reading The Bible for Dummies while Beth has the original manuscript of The Bible: The Complete Works as Dictated to Beth Moore by The Almighty. That woman understands some scripture! If I got nothing else out of her study, I would at least see growth in my desire to be able to read, interpret, and apply scripture the way that Beth does. Amazing!

One of last week's lessons was particularly inspiring. We are studying the Exodus of the Jews in the desert with Moses. (It may just be my favorite story in the Bible....especially when you have Beth showing you how increasingly profound it is!) She recounted the part where God was with the Jews in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. In Exodus chapter 14, God positioned himself between the Jews and the pursuing Egyptians as this great pillar while the Jews crossed into safety. At this, Beth said "Revel in a God whose business is to come between you and your enemies."

Awesome, right? In other words, let us be thankful, be at peace, celebrate, relax....whatever you need to do to comprehend the extreme protection that comes from our God who WILLINGLY gets between us and our enemies. Whatever we are facing, we can take it on with gusto knowing that God is already out ahead of us! You know how in all those war movies (Braveheart, The Last Samurai, The Patriot, etc) it always takes one person charging the field before the others follow? That will never be you! No matter how brave you are or how ready to fight, God will always beat you to the battlefield. Ok, that gave me goosebumps a little.

How awesome to have a God who comes between me and my enemies. Let us be encouraged and stand tall knowing our great protector and provider is ahead, beside, and behind us.

Much love!!

Nothing to Pour

Ok, so lately I have sat down to write....and nothing comes. So then I'll try to blog....nothing comes. Etc. Etc. People will ask, "so have you been writing?" And my honest answer has been "well when I sit down I just seem to go blank." And that's the sad truth. I just thought it was because I had nothing to say...

But then today God spoke to me and said, "It's not that you have nothing to say, it's that you have nothing to pour." Um.....what?

But then He spoke to my heart this simple explanation: If you never refill the pitcher, you will eventually have nothing to pour. And I had to stop and realize how little time I have spent reading my Bible lately. I could argue with Him and say "But God, all I listen to is worship music, and I go to church, etc." But the truth is that there is great power that comes from spending time in the word itself, and I have not been filling my pitcher like I should.

So just a simple thought today.....are you? I challenge you (and myself, obviously) to ask yourself that question, and then make a committed effort to spend more time with God in His word. I'm expecting amazing results!

Much love!

God's Inventory

Ok so I have this beautiful friend, Lisa. She is so lovely inside and out, and truly one of those rare friends that God brings into your life.



The other day we were having one of our Oprah-sessions (as we like to call them), and I was just sharing with her about my life lately. We got to talking about how people come in and out of your life. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it really hurts. And sometimes, more often than not, we don't quite understand why. And it's not just people. Sometimes things that were important, dreams we had, plans we've made.....sometimes it all works out a little differently than we imagined. And as we were discussing this, my dear friend said something so simple, yet so enlightened. She said "Well ya know Jess, God does inventory. He cleans up and clears out."



I LOVE that! And how true it is! Sometimes we crowd way too much "stuff" into our lives. And in order for us to truly walk the path that God has for us, God has to do some inventory. And just like it's hard to throw out some of those special keepsakes during spring cleaning (which for me this year included an entire year's subscription to People Magazine!), sometimes it's hard to let go of things WE think are important. Not only hard, but sometimes it can be confusing. There is such a fine line between letting go of something because God says it's time, and giving up because we don't feel like it anymore. But thankfully, God has given us the discernment of the Holy Spirit, and it is in these moments that we need to ask "God, what are YOU saying in this situation?"

For example, we can confuse ourselves by justifying activities, relationships, and priorities according to how we "think" we are supposed to act. It's hard to say goodbye to a relationship. One voice inside says it is selfish of me to just quit trying, but then I can feel God saying guard your heart against a relationship that isn't bearing fruit. It's hard to say no to another Bible Study. ("That's a church thing, Jessica. Wouldn't God want me to be more involved??") But if ANOTHER Bible study is taking more time from other things that God has for you, then that is some space He may be trying to clear out. Like I said, it's a fine line!

What inventory has God been doing in your life lately? Are there things you need to let go of? Is there room that needs to be filled with something to help you grow? As we go through different seasons of our lives, these are questions we need to keep asking and prayers we need to keep praying. "God, as I walk into this next season of my life, help me to know what to hang on to, what to let go of, and teach me to be open to changes that you would make inside of me."

Much love!

Dogs: Faithful Friend or Divine Example?

I know you've seen it. And if you haven't, you should! Or read the book, it's ten times better! Marley & Me....a true story about the impact of a dog on its family. I am such a crier and such a dog person, so I'm not sure what I was thinking when I read this book, or saw the movie....or re-watched the movie the other day!! But as sad as it is, it got me thinking....


If you aren't a dog person, you will have to forgive me. But even if you aren't, you can't deny the bond and relationships that most people who do own a dog have with their animal. I have Baylor, my 3-year-old 108-pound Golden Retriever. This book touched me, but only because it echoed my own love for my dog.


Dogs are special. Baylor brings a joy to my life that was so apparently missing without him. He is unfailingly loyal, never refuses affection, is constantly willing to show love, doesn't hold a grudge, and thinks I'm the best person in the whole world. He has even managed to make a dog-lover (or at least a lover-of-this-dog) out of my husband. Dogs are special.



I saw this animated song/cartoon thing once. It was comparing a dog's love to God's. It said things like even when I walk away, a dog is waiting with open arms whenever you come back. It doesn't pout because you left it, it's just so thankful you came back. It talked about all we can learn from dogs too-- their selfless devotion, unfailing love, their will to make you happy, their ever-optimistic outlook on life, and the joy that they invariably bring to most circumstances. It even pointed out that DOG is GOD backwards. And it hit me: maybe God put "man's best friend" here as an ever present example of how to live? I know it's been said before, but the more I think about the ways of my dog, the more I wonder why we think it's so complicated....A dog loves. Loves life, loves his family, loves a stranger (at least a Golden Retriever does...).



Love for those around us......it's that dog-gone simple! : )

God Likes Surprises

One of my favorite Bible verses (if not my very favorite!) is Psalms 37:4. It says "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." I always loved this scripture. I tend to be a planner, not necessarily a worrier, but a planner for sure. I have this permanent feeling inside that if I don't plan out every detail, I might miss something going on around me! I might waste an opportunity! And oh how I hate waste! But this scripture simplifies things for me. It basically says 1) Be happy. 2) Trust and worship God. 3) HE will work it all out. And not only will He work it all out, He will give you the desires of your heart....the things you never even knew you wanted, or maybe you knew you wanted but in a way that totally takes you by surprise.

That's my favorite part. In my world where I think I need to plan or control the details so that I don't miss anything, God is waiting to surprise me with things I may have missed anyway because I never knew they were there! And even desires or dreams that you know you have, sometimes the way that God brings those about is nowhere near what you expected.....no where near "the plan."

I love to travel. Always have. My husband thinks I just like taking trips, but it's really more than that. There is something that truly touches my heart when I stand in a place I've never been before....especially somewhere I didn't think I would get to go. I cried my whole semester in Europe as I stood in front of sites I'd only read about and took in the reality that I was there! I've crossed alot of places off my list, but I've still dreamed about roadtripping across the country and seeing the western part of America. But in my last semester of grad school, as I started looking at paying my loans and needing a job, those kind of adventures seemed like maybe they'd have to wait. But just a week ago, Blaine and I drove from Louisiana all the way to Wyoming, crossing several new states off my list and also getting to see a beautiful part of the country. We took our time and made a fun road trip out of it, and as it was happening I heard this voice in my spirit reciting my favorite scripture. You see, it may seem small, but God knows the true desires within us. As I stood last week looking at the hidden lake with a great white peak towering above it out here in Wyoming, I wept from feelings of joy and thankfulness. That, as many big dreams as I have and as much work as God has for me to do, He still took time to let me experience something that He knows is a desire of my precious heart. Afterall, He put it there.

My gypsy lifestyle these days is a bit unconventional, but God works in weird ways, right? I never knew the extreme sense of peace you find when you commit to 1)Be happy, 2) Trust and worship God, 3) Let Him work it all out! His ways are SO much better than mine!

My Divine Dentist Appointment!

It has not been a good week for me toothwise. Last week I went for my regular 6-month appointment, and was DEVASTATED to find out that I had not one, not two, but SEVEN cavities that needed fillings!! I would like to state here, for the record, that I am 25 years old, and I have not had a cavity since I was 11! So I was a bit shocked to say the least. (To tell the truth I sobbed in the dentist chair while the poor hygienist tried to console me! hahaha I'm such a baby....)

So, anyway, I was back that afternoon to get my first round of fillings. As my dentist began working on my teeth, he explained to me that four of my seven cavities weren't visible to the eye yet, but that it was better to go ahead and fix them before they got worse. He proceeded to open up my tooth and then take pictures of the cavity for me to see. I'll tell ya, God can use the strangest incidents!!

As I was looking at the decay inside my tooth I had this thought: My teeth looked fine from the outside. White, healthy, and all in order. But on the inside something ugly was growing. And I wondered, how many of us are like that? From the outside we look great. We talk the good talk, seem like we have it all together. But on the inside, maybe there is something ugly. Maybe it's a secret that is holding us back. Maybe it's fear, maybe it's jealousy. But whatever it is, deep down we know that it is two things: 1) it's ugly and 2) it's getting worse!

It would be a very risky game to tell yourself "Well, I'll just leave the cavity alone. If I eat right and brush my teeth twice as much, surely it won't get any worse!" The truth is that the cavity is already there, it's already taken root....and most likely the decay is just going to spread until treated. Are we doing that in our life?? Are we hoping that by living right on the outside, what's inside of us won't get any worse??

Just like that cavity had to be dealt with, so does the "ugly" on the inside of us. We have to be willing to open up our hearts to our Creator and bring what is dark to light. God wants to heal, replace, and console whatever it is that you're hiding, but He needs you to be honest with Him and be willing to--let's face it--- have some work done!

Thanks to the Moon

I heard a song that touched my heart the other day. (not an uncommon thing, I assure you!) If you ever see me swerving down the road, it is NOT because I'm texting! It is most likely because I am desperately trying to type lyrics to a song that I want to remember!! I'm sure this is frowned upon in the same category as texting, but it's worth it! These are the lyrics that initiated my most recent dangerous driving incident:

But she still shines

Though the night falls around her

And by her lightI find my way

When I fear the path laid before me

I look to the light of her face

And thank her for being so brave

These lyrics are from a song called "The Moon" by Kendall Payne. What an AWESOME thought right??? So picture it.....each and every night the moon's job is to rise alone in the sky, and as darkness creeps in she is to stay put and be a light to the earth below. Now, when God was dividing up jobs, I can imagine maybe the moon didn't want this position. Not compared to the sun who gets to be center of attention in the day time with nothing scary around her, or the wind that brings peaceful relief on a hot day. But the moon got the night shift.

I have two thoughts for you.

1) Sometimes I know we feel like we are working the "night shift" in God's kingdom. Maybe there is something you "know" you could do better, or something you see someone else doing that you feel like you would rather have as your calling. But God has a purpose and plan for you. Take comfort in knowing that there is no where you could possibly be more successful than right in the center of His will for you life.

2) Each and every night the moon knows that she is walking in to a scary place....dark, quiet, alone. Maybe you are in a season surrounded by darkness or fear. "But still she shines!!" That is my favorite line in the song. Still she shines. No matter where you are or what you're going through, keep walking! The song says that the girl looks to the moon's light for guidance, and thanks her for being so brave. Your trial will become your triumph. And you may very well be a light to someone else's path who, without your guidance and example, may have lost their way.

Roll Tide...(Only Time I Will Ever Say That!)

So my husband and I took a quick trip to the beach this weekend since we discovered it's only 3 1/2 hours away! It was a much needed getaway....and happens to be one of my most favorite places on Earth---if not my very favorite! We got there after dark on Friday and quickly made our way down to the beach to hear the ocean. I sat there and watched the white caps rolling in and then the water receding out. I always think this is just so beautiful. And then I got to thinking: Those waves have been rolling since I was here last summer, and the summer before that, and every summer since I was two! (we like the beach, ok?) I realized that those waves would continue to roll all night, and they would still be crashing down in the morning. I jokingly thought to myself, "They must get so tired!" And then, like He usually does, God spoke to my heart when I really wasn't expecting it and said: "They don't get tired because they are doing what I have called them to do. I give unending strength to those who do my will." Um....hello? Does anyone else think that's awesome??? I stared at the relentless waves and saw them, not tired and dragging, but full of life and endless energy as they did what they were created to do. And so I think it can be for us. Somehow God will give you the strength and energy to do what He has called you. And when you are right in the middle of God's purpose for your life, people can't help but stop and stare at the beauty of the moment. Much Love!

Just Call Me Gideon...

This was today's devotional for my beautiful church ladies. The daily scripture readings can be found at http://www.thefamilychurch.cc/, if you'd like to follow the reading plan. Just click on the resources link! Hello friends! Today's Old Testament reading comes from the book of Judges, chapters 6 and 7. This is the story of Gideon. I love this story! I can remember my dad telling me this story when I was a kid. He would explain to me how Gideon was small and from a small tribe, and that when God called him, Gideon didn't think he was qualified. My dad explained how Gideon tested God to make sure it was really Him. As the story ended, I can remember my young self being dumbfounded at how Gideon would not "know" it was God, and that he would be so bold as to test GOD! And now here I am some years later, and I realize....I HAVE BEEN GIDEON! I have heard the still small voice of God in my life, and then said "God if this is REALLY you, then _____," and "Surely God you don't want ME to do THAT," and I know I've said "Well, I think I know what you want me to do God, but I'm going to pray about it longer." So before we look at Gideon and think "How could he doubt God??," maybe we need to look at our own lives and ask how are WE doubting God? Are we demanding tests, when God has clearly laid something upon our hearts? Do we not see ourselves as big, or as capable, as God does? Are we hiding behind prayer, when we know God's will for us? The beautiful thing about this story is that God allowed Gideon's tests. He tolerated his doubt, patiently reassuring him that He was in fact God. God does the same for us, giving us time to learn to hear his voice, letting us work through our fear of trusting Him completely. But I wonder, how much greater is the reward if we could trust right away and act in the very moment God calls us? I am praying for this kind of faith and discernment to know God's path for my life. Praying for you as well! Much love!

Fog....Yes it IS Spiritual!

Good morning! Ok, so I live in south Louisiana....like SOUTH Louisiana on the Mississippi! If you haven't been in these parts of the state, let me tell you a little something about spring time: it's FOGGY!! I am talking about fog that makes even my husband drive 20 miles under the speed limit! (That's a miracle in itself, ok?)

When I got in my car this morning there was no fog, but as I drove closer to work, suddenly I was blanketed in this thick moisture. I could not see more than 10 feet in front or to the side of me. And then I felt my heart cry out "God, I want to blanketed in your love like this fog."

Ok, I know that sounds stupid, cliche, or whatever. But I started thinking about this prayer, and how beautiful to be blanketed in God's love?? I realized that in that "blanket" nothing could see me, target me, distract me. I was enveloped in the covering and focused on my destination. Cliche as the analogy may be, that thought was awesome.

I am so amazed at the ways God can speak to us through our earthly surroundings. Praying you find this encouraging, and that you also look for God around you this week! Much love!!

Wear It On Your Sleeve....or Your Shirt, Or Your Shoes.....

You know that expression "she wears her heart on her sleeve?" Well, that doesn't really cover it for me. If you were saying this about me, it should go more like "she has woven her heart into the very fibers of everything she wears." Not kidding. My newlywed husband will tell you this is true. Now, let me assure you, I am no drama queen. I don't get my feelings hurt easy, and I'm not ridiculously emotional. What I mean is, for whatever reason, my heart is right there on the surface and it is touched often and easily.

For a long time, people made me feel like this was a bad thing. Or that because things affected a deeper part of me so easily that meant I was dramatic, or emotional, or needy. But, if you're like me at all, I'm here to tell you this is not true. One of the truest expressions ever is "It takes all kinds." I know God made me this way for a reason. I know that good comes from my limitless ability to care and find compassion, and that although tears are frequent, someone is touched by my sincerity.

And look, I'm no saint. And sometimes this "gift" from God does have it's downside. I mean, my outer-wear-woven-heart is EASILY affected. I can't watch certain movies or tv shows. I am often moved to tears and a worrisome funk after passing a hitchhiker, or an elderly person eating alone in a restaurant. And then there is the common much-to-deep thinking session that comes when my heart tries too often to determine its life plan.

My point is this: we were all created with certain things about us that God means to use. Like any skill or talent, it is important to know your strengths and weaknesses in these areas, and be aware of how and where that trait about you can be used.

And so what if it makes you a little quirky? I like to think it gives me character.

Boundaries

Ok, so as I sat down to type my devotional this morning, I had my own idea what I was going to write about. There is just something about spring that fills me with hope and tons to say! BUT, like He always does, God had other ideas! So I will postpone all MY thoughts and go with what God obviously meant for me to say! : )

So, I sat down, like I said, already knowing what I wanted to say, but I decided to check today's reading first. And BAM! Sometimes I am so amazed at the living, breathing power of the Word of God. Today's Old Testament reading is from Joshua 15, 16, and 17, and it is all about BOUNDARIES. Do you know what book I started reading Sunday? A book called Boundaries! God is awesome right? Anyway, I know if you read this Old Testament reading, you are like "Um, it was just a bunch of names of places and people. How can I get anything from that?"

What I would like to focus on is the fact that Joshua takes time to detail all these boundaries---because they matter. So often in the Bible, God details boundaries too. So what does this tell us? Boundaries matter. As Christian women, we often let ourselves get run down and overused. But that is not God's will for us. He establishes in Joshua, and so many places, that boundaries are a good thing! They help "protect our heart above all else" (Proverbs 4:23) and allow us to flourish. And, like in Joshua 17, He also demonstrates that there are times for us to push and extend our boundaries and limits to let in more of what God has for us.

So this week I encourage you to pray about your boundaries--physical, spiritual, emotional. Do you have any? Which ones need to be made tighter? Which ones probably need to be broadened to let God in? I am joining you in prayer! I'm only on Chapter 2, but I can tell this is going to be good! : ) Much love!!!

**Reading Suggestion: "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

First Devotional of 2011!

Well I'm back at it with my devotionals! Thought I'd share our first one for 2011! : )

Happy New Year Beautiful Ladies of TFC! I pray this new year finds you expectant of great things in your life! I also pray that the spirit of Christmas and the overwhelming blessing of the birth of our Lord Jesus would stay with you all year long! How awesome is this gift of God??

I hope that keeping up with our daily readings is part of your New Year's "Resolution!" : ) I know it's part of mine! So let's get back to it! And what a day to start! Today's readings are powerful demonstrations of so many different aspects of God's character! : ) But, I guess I have to pick just one....

In the first reading (Genesis 18: 1-33) the Lord reveals his plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. After revealing His plan---He the Almighty, the Powerful, the King of the Universe---Abraham says something that I just love. In verse 27 Abraham says to the Lord, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes..." and then he asks a question about the Almighty's decision. But I want to look at that one part of a sentence..."Now that I have been so bold..." In other words, "Well since I already asked you one thing I might as well keep going," or "No offense, but I have a question."

haha I love that! Abraham wasn't afraid to put his needs and questions before God. And the awesome thing is that our God is one who doesn't get frustrated by questions or a differing opinion. All that matters is that we trust Him in the end, but He forgives us (and I like to think even chuckles a little) when we look at Him and say "oh no I don't think so" or "I think I have a better idea." It worked out for Abraham. God remembered him and saved his relatives. Sometimes I think we can stand in the gap for people too. But regardless the outcome, the image I want to focus on is this: God is open and inviting. He wants all of you. The doubter, the know-it-all, the fearful, the inquisitive, and the reluctant. So let us come boldly before His throne and lay it all out there. He can take it! : )

Much love!!

Thoughts for 2011

Can you believe it's 2011?? I still can not wrap my mind around it. I am way too young to say this, but I remember being in highschool and thinking 2010 sounded like those years in the sci-fi futuristic movies. And here we are in 2011....wow.

If you're like me, you probably came up with some form of a resolution for the new year. I know, I know...so cliche. But the premise of the idea is a good one. A fresh start. Getting off on the right foot. The part that people miss is that you don't have to wait until January 1! haha I find that I have "Monday" resolutions: things in my life that I vow to do differently or better every Monday! So my new year's resolutions are just on a bigger scale. : ) This year I have the usual "get in shape for summer" one, and "eat healthier." But I also have something else...

The first Sunday of this year our Pastor talked about having a "vision" for the year (and for your life.) He said that without vision, we often miss opportunities in our life. Without vision we are just drifting....So, my husband and I sat and thought about this. We decided we needed a word to focus on for 2011. I was hoping it would be some deep and meaningful word that spoke to the both of us, if no one else. But, the word that stuck with us is pretty plain and simple: Growth. We decided that would be our word for the year, and that we want growth in every area....financially, in our relationship, in our maturity levels, in our jobs, etc.

Along those lines, we wanted to pick a motto that goes with our word, and we can live by all year. I just kept hearing the words "Like rain." And it stuck! I want to be "like rain" in every area of my life. I want to love on people unconditionally, like rain. I want to be a refreshing blessing in the lives of people around me, like rain. And the other thing about "rain" is that when there is enough, it becomes a flood---able to move obstacles, able to clear out debris, and a source of power. So, we are going to live "like rain" in 2011!

What's your word for this year? Praying that you find one! : )

A Rather Late Merry Christmas....and A Very Happy New Year

I can not believe I didn't blog during Christmas!! I mean, it's only my favorite time of year!! And what a wonderful Christmas it was. As a very happy newlywed, I found myself twice as "emotional" as usual this year.



But isn't Christmas just overwhelming?? No, I don't mean being overwhelmed by the lines at the mall, or the amount of wrapping paper filling up your living room....I mean that Christmas is overwhelming when you think about what it means. When you think about the precious baby Jesus that was God's gift to the world! I can not put into words how awesome I find the Christmas season. But I hope that, even though it's over, you begin the new year remembering the Christmas season! Let us live 2011 overwhelmed and grateful for the birth of Jesus!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!