I don't know sometimes if I hear him or myself in my head. I wonder if He's speaking to me or am I trying to speak to myself mimicking the words I think He would speak to me.
I was pumping gas at a Shell Station a few months ago and I saw an older man sitting just outside the door of the gas station. I thought, no, please don't ask me for anything. For some reason, HE STOOD OUT. I saw people pumping gas and going in and out of the store, but this one figure stood out to me. His appearance was a bit unnerving. He wore tattered clothes, had an overgrown beard, and had a worn out bag that he was using as a cushion to sit on as he sat just outside the door of the gas station.
I would not make eye contact as I walked in the store. I refused to acknowledge he was there. I was like - I don't have any money to give this man. My hours have been cut at work and I cannot help you dude. I thought, I'll just keep walking and pretend I don't see you. (That's another story)
I went into the store and because we were on a road trip, I was getting junk food for the car. I kept thinking, did God send this stranger for me to help? Then, I had a flashback of Beth Moore speaking of her experience with God, an older gentleman, and a hair brush. I was sure this would be an experience I wasn't quite ready for the challenge! On the other hand, I kept thinking, am I ignoring the LORD? I wasn't sure and it stayed with me as I shopped. I couldn't decide what to buy because I was concerned that I was missing out on something that my Lord had for me - Jennifer.
I continued to have my doubts and one of my immediate thoughts was, I cannot give him a ride either. He's a stranger and I really don't feel like I can do anything to help him. Isn't that how we think? We believe in the very core of our being that we cannot help someone, making decisions in our heads before even speaking to a person, not even having a conversation. On the other hand, I also kept thinking, God doesn't leave us ill prepared and I shouldn't be so freaked out about meeting a stranger.
I did it again a few weeks later. I was asked to join a Bible Study and I immediately said I was in a group already and that we're doing that same study. I barely gave this sweet woman a chance to explain or give me information, I stopped it all right there or so I thought. I have this thought that I don't want to add more people in my circle. I can trust My Bible Study Girls and no one else.
In both instances, my thoughts took me to another place as I walked away. Did I just do what I did? Did I ignore God or am I making this situation at this moment bigger than what it's really supposed to be? Are we missing out on blessings, opportunities to share God with others? Does anyone else think they're missing out on opportunities to share? Are we holding back? I have to ask myself, does someone want to add me to their circle? Does God want me to be part of someone else's group? I am sure He does want me to expand my wings just a bit. I don't know and won't know if I stay in my small group, fearing the unknown.
As I've grown in my spiritual journey, I've realized that sharing Him isn't always that awesome Bible verse that someone needs just at that moment. I've realized I don't have to bake the cakes, cook the green beans, or even sing the most spiritually moving song. I am actually not skilled in any of these areas. I know those things are great and special for others, just not me. I've beat myself up enough over the years because of what I thought I lacked.
I finally see that we can all share God with a smile, a simple hello, a hug, or even a kind word. In turn, we are truly blessed by participating! I cannot count the number of times I've been blessed by just being who I am in Him at just that right moment. I can be talking to someone about God and I am hit with chills, the good kind. I am filled with joy.
I am now one of those people. It just fills me up!
Gas Station - I decided that I was making it bigger than it was supposed to be and I relaxed. I walked out of the store and I looked at the older gentleman sitting on his bag just outside the gas station. I looked him in the eyes, as I was taught to do, and I said hello. I was nervous, my stomach in knots, sweat dripping down my back, and a grip on my kid as I spoke. He smiled big, his eyes sparkling in the bright sun light and he said hello. I asked how he was doing and he said fine and asked about me. I was walking and talking, okay I was speed walking to my car. He continued to talk though, gently, softly. He said my baby was getting big and before I blinked, would be even bigger! I smiled and agreed. No worries, he was saying hello. He watched us walk away. I could just feel it and when I sat in my car, I looked him square in the eyes again and I smiled. He smiled too.
**JourneywithJennifer**
And the LORD came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied "Speak, your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10 NLT)
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
AM I Listening for God? - Part I
I ask myself more often times than not - Am I listening for God? I mean, really do I listen for instruction from my LORD. This summer we covered He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer. This absolutely was a great time of studying God's word.
I've often wondered about how and when He speaks and what I can do to facilitate or if I can do anything at all. The study gave me some key points to remember and also gave me some time to reflect on whether or not I listen for God.
Here's what truly has helped me and made me take a closer look at my walk with God:
Being still and letting go of some of the busyness of my life
Being obedient to God's will
Being submissive and respecting His authority in my life
Being a follower and reading His word and understanding how it applies to my life today
I also have to look at myself and whether I trust Him. Do I trust His plans for me or do I sabotage every experience to stay stagnant? Do I really want an experience where He speaks and I listen and follow according to His will?
There's much to reflect on when reading and much to change!
I encourage anyone who is looking for a study to consider He Speaks to Me. I guarantee you'll be blessed!
**JourneywithJennifer**
And the LORD came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied "Speak, your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10 NLT)
I've often wondered about how and when He speaks and what I can do to facilitate or if I can do anything at all. The study gave me some key points to remember and also gave me some time to reflect on whether or not I listen for God.
Here's what truly has helped me and made me take a closer look at my walk with God:
Being still and letting go of some of the busyness of my life
Being obedient to God's will
Being submissive and respecting His authority in my life
Being a follower and reading His word and understanding how it applies to my life today
I also have to look at myself and whether I trust Him. Do I trust His plans for me or do I sabotage every experience to stay stagnant? Do I really want an experience where He speaks and I listen and follow according to His will?
There's much to reflect on when reading and much to change!
I encourage anyone who is looking for a study to consider He Speaks to Me. I guarantee you'll be blessed!
**JourneywithJennifer**
And the LORD came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied "Speak, your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10 NLT)
Thursday, August 15, 2013
JourneywithJennifer's PrayList - Part I
Our latest series at church is The PrayList, Study of the Psalms.
When I think of a PrayList, my first thought is of the e-mails, pamphlets, and cards that offer scriptures to read during times of need and times of joy. We get to call on God when we need Him and pray specific prayers. They're called emergency cards, devotions, prayer cards, etc. Some of you may have them. I actually own a few..lol what a surprise!
The 23rd Psalm has been a big part of my life. It's the only Psalm I know by memory. It's definitely on my PrayList. It's also something I've taught my kid.
Another one that's familiar is Psalm 27. I remember a time during my college years that something bothered me. I just couldn't shake the feelings, the worry. It worried me so that I told my grandmother and my sweet Mother Dear looked at me and told me to read Psalm 27. I took her advice and God's Word brought me peace! I didn't feel like I'd been feeling and I loved that about my grandmother. She knew what to say in all situations.
Psalms 23 and 27 both give me a sense of peace in knowing God's taking care of me. I can see as I move through this life how both relate to one situation and then another and so on. It's amazing to see growth in life and how much He truly loves us and helps us overcome.
Several weeks ago, my Pastor brought a message to us from Psalm 42. On Life Today, Wednesdays with Beth, Beth Moore shared a series - From Cast Down to Ecstatic Joy. She covered Psalms 41 and 42. It's great when I'm learning something new to find a message from two different sources on the very same subject.
I learned that we pant for the living waters that only Jesus can provide just as a deer pants for water when he's thirsty. What a thought, we're panting. I wonder how many times in life we're so down and so overwhelmed and just fall to our knees, sick for a word from Him. We want to find Him, seek Him out. We need God and we know if we can get to Him or hear a word from Him, all is right with the world.
I read Psalm 42 and I can honestly say, this could be me. I can see how different seasons in life would fit here.. mourning, divorce, end of a relationship, loss of ____, etc. Sometimes it's only the faith in our God that can pull us through. In my reading, what I felt more than anything is that it's nothing like a feeling of sadness and how it overshadows it all.
We need God. We must seek Him and find Him in our everyday living. It's not a maybe or sometimes sort of deal. No ma'am and No sir. It's those times when we're down that we need Him and learning and studying His word is how we find Him.
I love how it has all come together in the PrayList! I am learning so much and finding so much of my life, myself in scriptures.
I love how God's Word carries us through, even today!
**JourneywithJennifer
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God (Psalm 42:1 NIV)
When I think of a PrayList, my first thought is of the e-mails, pamphlets, and cards that offer scriptures to read during times of need and times of joy. We get to call on God when we need Him and pray specific prayers. They're called emergency cards, devotions, prayer cards, etc. Some of you may have them. I actually own a few..lol what a surprise!
The 23rd Psalm has been a big part of my life. It's the only Psalm I know by memory. It's definitely on my PrayList. It's also something I've taught my kid.
Another one that's familiar is Psalm 27. I remember a time during my college years that something bothered me. I just couldn't shake the feelings, the worry. It worried me so that I told my grandmother and my sweet Mother Dear looked at me and told me to read Psalm 27. I took her advice and God's Word brought me peace! I didn't feel like I'd been feeling and I loved that about my grandmother. She knew what to say in all situations.
Psalms 23 and 27 both give me a sense of peace in knowing God's taking care of me. I can see as I move through this life how both relate to one situation and then another and so on. It's amazing to see growth in life and how much He truly loves us and helps us overcome.
Several weeks ago, my Pastor brought a message to us from Psalm 42. On Life Today, Wednesdays with Beth, Beth Moore shared a series - From Cast Down to Ecstatic Joy. She covered Psalms 41 and 42. It's great when I'm learning something new to find a message from two different sources on the very same subject.
I learned that we pant for the living waters that only Jesus can provide just as a deer pants for water when he's thirsty. What a thought, we're panting. I wonder how many times in life we're so down and so overwhelmed and just fall to our knees, sick for a word from Him. We want to find Him, seek Him out. We need God and we know if we can get to Him or hear a word from Him, all is right with the world.
I read Psalm 42 and I can honestly say, this could be me. I can see how different seasons in life would fit here.. mourning, divorce, end of a relationship, loss of ____, etc. Sometimes it's only the faith in our God that can pull us through. In my reading, what I felt more than anything is that it's nothing like a feeling of sadness and how it overshadows it all.
We need God. We must seek Him and find Him in our everyday living. It's not a maybe or sometimes sort of deal. No ma'am and No sir. It's those times when we're down that we need Him and learning and studying His word is how we find Him.
I love how it has all come together in the PrayList! I am learning so much and finding so much of my life, myself in scriptures.
I love how God's Word carries us through, even today!
**JourneywithJennifer
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God (Psalm 42:1 NIV)
Monday, July 22, 2013
Where have I been?
I must apologize! I haven't written a word on this blog in months.
I cannot say that I had nothing to say, because I've had plenty..
I've talked nonstop I do believe for a few days this year..LOL
The year started out slow. I was sick over Christmas and then again in January. I had a couple sinus infections. I also ended up with what felt like the flu. I was weak and had an awful pain in my back that felt like I was knocking at deaths door. It was horrible. I could barely move for five days. I was just sore all over and only had energy to do the absolute bare minimum each day. I remember thinking, are my kidneys failing? Crazy. I know, I am dramatic in my thinking, writing, and speech at times, but I felt that bad. It started suddenly like the flu does, swift and painful, just waiting to take you down - HARD.
So far, we've had a great year. We were busy, but as always, I am grateful.
We watched The Bible on the History Channel. I must say we enjoyed the beautiful unfolding of The Bible each week. The stories, the people, Jesus, Salvation, all told like it's never been told before. For us, it was absolutely wonderful. The ultimate was Jesus on the Cross, taking on the sins of God's children. Again, I cannot say enough that the story was told like never before. I've had the pleasure of watching many stories of the bible, but none quite like The Bible.
It was a great family experience being able to share knowledge and thoughts. Also, with it fresh on my mind, I was able to relate to the Old Testament as I read through Judges and Joshua. I was not expecting to love this series, but I did. We all did and I thought - God knew! Even if I don't know, He knows. I love that about Him!
We spent Easter at my Parents' House like always! It was so good to relax and think about the goodness of God. He has given us so much! I feel so unworthy at times because He didn't have to do what He did. As I grow in my faith, I am just thankful. I sometimes feel so overwhelmed at the thought of Him and His goodness! AMEN!
Well fast forward to the month of May.
We had Honor's Day, Field Trips, Mother's Day, and not to mention Graduation. We also had Spring Concerts!
Our Church's Spring Musical - Awestruck - was absolutely amazing! God was with us as we praised and worshipped Him! I've never felt such pure joy in my entire life! I was in awe of Him and felt so honored to give praise! I never imagined the depths and heights of joy through praise..
Orbit was in full swing and the kids were awesome as they presented Jonah! There's joy and hope when children praise the Lord. It's so pure and unashamed...Oh to worship everyday without any pretense, just you with your God!
My nephew graduated from high school so we traveled to be with family and celebrate such a joyous occasion. We broke bread and celebrated the hope of a future.
Fast forward to July 4th! I decided to try staying home this year and start traditions here. We had a great day. We should focus more on the celebration of Independence. We wore our shirts and discussed the story of America and how we came to be. We had traditional burgers and hot dogs hot off the grill! I think we need to be part of community experiences so next year, we'll look for other activities!
I have definitely been away. I am feeling so much better just thinking about the Blog and all the things I have to say! I am thinking more about what God has to say and how I can share with all of you!
**JourneywithJennifer**
Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32 NIV)
I cannot say that I had nothing to say, because I've had plenty..
I've talked nonstop I do believe for a few days this year..LOL
The year started out slow. I was sick over Christmas and then again in January. I had a couple sinus infections. I also ended up with what felt like the flu. I was weak and had an awful pain in my back that felt like I was knocking at deaths door. It was horrible. I could barely move for five days. I was just sore all over and only had energy to do the absolute bare minimum each day. I remember thinking, are my kidneys failing? Crazy. I know, I am dramatic in my thinking, writing, and speech at times, but I felt that bad. It started suddenly like the flu does, swift and painful, just waiting to take you down - HARD.
So far, we've had a great year. We were busy, but as always, I am grateful.
We watched The Bible on the History Channel. I must say we enjoyed the beautiful unfolding of The Bible each week. The stories, the people, Jesus, Salvation, all told like it's never been told before. For us, it was absolutely wonderful. The ultimate was Jesus on the Cross, taking on the sins of God's children. Again, I cannot say enough that the story was told like never before. I've had the pleasure of watching many stories of the bible, but none quite like The Bible.
It was a great family experience being able to share knowledge and thoughts. Also, with it fresh on my mind, I was able to relate to the Old Testament as I read through Judges and Joshua. I was not expecting to love this series, but I did. We all did and I thought - God knew! Even if I don't know, He knows. I love that about Him!
We spent Easter at my Parents' House like always! It was so good to relax and think about the goodness of God. He has given us so much! I feel so unworthy at times because He didn't have to do what He did. As I grow in my faith, I am just thankful. I sometimes feel so overwhelmed at the thought of Him and His goodness! AMEN!
Well fast forward to the month of May.
We had Honor's Day, Field Trips, Mother's Day, and not to mention Graduation. We also had Spring Concerts!
Our Church's Spring Musical - Awestruck - was absolutely amazing! God was with us as we praised and worshipped Him! I've never felt such pure joy in my entire life! I was in awe of Him and felt so honored to give praise! I never imagined the depths and heights of joy through praise..
Orbit was in full swing and the kids were awesome as they presented Jonah! There's joy and hope when children praise the Lord. It's so pure and unashamed...Oh to worship everyday without any pretense, just you with your God!
My nephew graduated from high school so we traveled to be with family and celebrate such a joyous occasion. We broke bread and celebrated the hope of a future.
Fast forward to July 4th! I decided to try staying home this year and start traditions here. We had a great day. We should focus more on the celebration of Independence. We wore our shirts and discussed the story of America and how we came to be. We had traditional burgers and hot dogs hot off the grill! I think we need to be part of community experiences so next year, we'll look for other activities!
I have definitely been away. I am feeling so much better just thinking about the Blog and all the things I have to say! I am thinking more about what God has to say and how I can share with all of you!
**JourneywithJennifer**
Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32 NIV)
Monday, December 31, 2012
2012 - Thankful!!
This year has had it's share of ups and downs...I've had some good days and not so good days. I must admit that the good days carried me through the not so good days.
I learned that with age comes wisdom. I learned that I can make a difference in the lives of others. I learned to make choices for my life and worry a little less about what others thought of my choices.
I laughed more. I loved more. I listened more. I accepted more.
I shared my thoughts. I shared information.
I prayed everyday! I prayed for others and I also prayed for myself.
I am filled with peace in knowing that my Lord is with me and I with Him. I am filled with joy in knowing He died so that I may live.
As I journey through this life, I'll take 2012 with me! Thankful!
~JourneywithJennifer~
I learned that with age comes wisdom. I learned that I can make a difference in the lives of others. I learned to make choices for my life and worry a little less about what others thought of my choices.
I laughed more. I loved more. I listened more. I accepted more.
I shared my thoughts. I shared information.
I prayed everyday! I prayed for others and I also prayed for myself.
I am filled with peace in knowing that my Lord is with me and I with Him. I am filled with joy in knowing He died so that I may live.
As I journey through this life, I'll take 2012 with me! Thankful!
~JourneywithJennifer~
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Gone too soon!
I have memories of my childhood, the memories of sheer freedom....
1. I remember feeling like I could fly, as long as I was being held in my Daddy's arms, touching the ceiling of our home
2. I remember feeling like I had the best Mama in the world. She made delicious homemade biscuits, pork chops, and soup
3. I enjoyed those lazy days of play - on my bike, in the dirt, kickball, hide and seek, cartwheels across the yard, pretending to be a mother...
4. I loved spending time with my grandparents - my Granddaddy's smile, my Madea's flapjacks, and my Grandmama's pork and beans
5. I spent days playing with my siblings, cousins, friends, or just on my own
6. I said my prayers every night and we prayed in school
7. I loved picking blackberries and pecans from trees
8. I stayed outside until the street lights came on during the summer
9. I indulged in tropical punch Kool-Aid
10. We had the best shows on TV
As I grow and journey through this life, I realize how precious those times were. Although my life wasn't perfect, as I've grown over the years, I realize no one's life is perfect. But I lived a life freely with happiness and very few fears. As a child, you are innocent, you are full of life, and you are loved. I pray that we all experience love.
God's greatest gift to us all is love. He gave us his son, Jesus who died for our sins. We are allowed freedom beyond our dreams and still wake up living in fear and suffering because of a life gone too soon; but not just lives taken. There are minds, souls lost. If we could only let go of darkness and look for light. Because when it's all said and done, we should never give up or never give in..
~~JourneywithJennifer~~
1. I remember feeling like I could fly, as long as I was being held in my Daddy's arms, touching the ceiling of our home
2. I remember feeling like I had the best Mama in the world. She made delicious homemade biscuits, pork chops, and soup
3. I enjoyed those lazy days of play - on my bike, in the dirt, kickball, hide and seek, cartwheels across the yard, pretending to be a mother...
4. I loved spending time with my grandparents - my Granddaddy's smile, my Madea's flapjacks, and my Grandmama's pork and beans
5. I spent days playing with my siblings, cousins, friends, or just on my own
6. I said my prayers every night and we prayed in school
7. I loved picking blackberries and pecans from trees
8. I stayed outside until the street lights came on during the summer
9. I indulged in tropical punch Kool-Aid
10. We had the best shows on TV
As I grow and journey through this life, I realize how precious those times were. Although my life wasn't perfect, as I've grown over the years, I realize no one's life is perfect. But I lived a life freely with happiness and very few fears. As a child, you are innocent, you are full of life, and you are loved. I pray that we all experience love.
God's greatest gift to us all is love. He gave us his son, Jesus who died for our sins. We are allowed freedom beyond our dreams and still wake up living in fear and suffering because of a life gone too soon; but not just lives taken. There are minds, souls lost. If we could only let go of darkness and look for light. Because when it's all said and done, we should never give up or never give in..
~~JourneywithJennifer~~
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Been Missing The Blog
It's been a while since I last posted a message. Actually, it's been three months. I haven't taken the time to even consider what to write or how. So to cut through the blah and get to the point - I haven't been eating right or working out at all!!! That pretty much sums up the last three months and my well being.
I have the classic story to explain why I haven't been focused on taking care of me - I am busy these days with my family. It's not that I wasn't busy before, but school started in August, practices started in August and a few other activities have started since then and my whole life has been me focused on my family life and no focus on myself. I figured out too late this wasn't the best thing for me or my family.
I forgot about my own life and my own goals for me.
****My goals *****
- Eat healthy the majority of the time
- Be an example of how you can start fresh no matter where you are in life
- Share my journey with others
- Have healthy meals at least weekly (leftovers)
***Promises to myself***
- Be me in all situations
- Don't sacrifice myself to be someone else in order to please others
- Be God's Girl
- Love everyone and see the good in everyone but not so much that I hurt myself in the process
What have I been doing? How am I making a contribution?
I am missing this blog...Going to catch up on my life and find a fresh new start. I'll keep you posted.
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid (Proverbs 12:1 NIV).
I am not exactly feeling my best and need some discipline in my life. It would be unfortunate if I didn't take the time to correct my mistakes and acknowledge that I've made them..Oh and will continue as long as I am living.
***JourneywithJennifer***
I have the classic story to explain why I haven't been focused on taking care of me - I am busy these days with my family. It's not that I wasn't busy before, but school started in August, practices started in August and a few other activities have started since then and my whole life has been me focused on my family life and no focus on myself. I figured out too late this wasn't the best thing for me or my family.
I forgot about my own life and my own goals for me.
****My goals *****
- Eat healthy the majority of the time
- Be an example of how you can start fresh no matter where you are in life
- Share my journey with others
- Have healthy meals at least weekly (leftovers)
***Promises to myself***
- Be me in all situations
- Don't sacrifice myself to be someone else in order to please others
- Be God's Girl
- Love everyone and see the good in everyone but not so much that I hurt myself in the process
What have I been doing? How am I making a contribution?
I am missing this blog...Going to catch up on my life and find a fresh new start. I'll keep you posted.
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid (Proverbs 12:1 NIV).
I am not exactly feeling my best and need some discipline in my life. It would be unfortunate if I didn't take the time to correct my mistakes and acknowledge that I've made them..Oh and will continue as long as I am living.
***JourneywithJennifer***
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