Happy Birthday JESUS!

Today was a great day!  After all that has happened in the last couple of weeks to my little big family, it was good to just be together!

I'll be honest.  I didn't expect much at all…you know the saying, the older you get, your list gets smaller, and you really focus on what's important, BUT, I got some pretty amazing gifts, and I'm very grateful!

I've been praying whining about some things to God over and over…I'm sure He's super sick of hearing me, but in the event that I must embody the persistent widow, I didn't want to take any chances…lol!

Anyway, I couldn't help but reflect back on the last few weeks, and God is so in the details.  He sends little pieces of Him to encourage me when I need it the most.

He loves us, Oh how He loves us!!  Doesn't that just make you want to jump for J-O-Y?!?!

In the event that you need some encouragement, here are some truths you can stand on until your persistent prayer turns into a prevailing prayer:

1.  He cares about what you care about.
2.  He loves you.
3.  His timing is perfect.
4.  Grace abounds for you at every turn.
5.  God is not a liar.  He will do what he said He will do.

Merry, merry Christmas friends…I hope this day was filled with love and peace amongst you and your family!

<><  Jarvis

None but Jesus

Love, Love, LOVE this song!!!  Look at this stanza...yes, yes, yes!!

In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’'re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will

It's all about HIM...

 

 

I find myself humming these lyrics all day.  I can't get enough of Him!

 

 

 

Velveeta and Coconut Candies...

My Thanksgiving was great!  I got a ton of rest, and spent it with family at the farm, so no complaints from me!  

However, when I came back home, I really was not in a good mood.  Coco was at a slumber party....yes, you read that correctly, so I was 'in my feelings,' as they say.  I went to church, and the Word was right on time, but sometimes, you can still allow negativity to force its way in...even though you know better.....and last night...I threw a fit.  I mean, I let God know how I really felt, and when it was over can you believe I felt better.  Now, I'm not crazy, and I don't go around disrepecting God, but I just let it all hang out.  I told Him how I truly felt...just busted and disgusted...I think maybe I can be this real with God all of the time (as if He doesn't already know.)

So....today, I was talking to a lady while working, and she was just sharing different things with me.  She had no idea how God was using her in that moment.  She had NO idea that her sharing about little things (Velveeta and Coconut Candies), that God has done to show her He cares was ministering to this little old heart of mine!  As she was talking, I had to contain myself because I just KNEW that in that moment, this was MY little thing from God to show me that He cares...and that it is all going to work out!

He loves us, OH how He loves us...Oh how He loves....do you know that song???

Needless to say, I've got a new attitude...ha!

Have a great day!  Two more Mondays until Christmas!!!!!!!  The MOST wonderful time of the year!!!

RaNDomNeSs

I believe that just about every one of us knows how powerful our prayers can be.  I remember in high school, and in early college, I did NOT know how to pray.  They were more awkward, choppy monologues that I stumbled through.  I'm certain God still heard them, and honored them, but I'm sure He was glad when I got better...lol!

Today, I pray all of the time...sometimes it's just a quick three word prayer, sometimes, I write them down most of the time.  I am way more eloquent with a pen and paper, or keyboard than I am speaking.  And it's not that I'm trying to sound smart, and important...I just flow better when I'm writing.

In my college campus ministry, Lori shared with us a way to memorize scripture.  It was an incredible tool that we used during discipleship meetings and such to hide God's word in our hearts.  That was back in the day when you had way more hard copies of things than electronic copies, and I lost my master copy in my move from Waco to Houston.

Well, at dinner the other night, I asked Lori if she had a copy, and she told me who created it.  I did a quick Google search, and voila...it popped up!   This is hands down, the BEST way to really commit to memory.

Here is a link to the Thomas Frost method of scripture memorization:

http://riverhillsonline.org/file.php/1/documents/Ministry_Documents/Memory%20Verses_All_v2.pdf

I know I haven't written in a couple of days...I've started a couple of different posts, and just didn't feel 'it' to publish them.  Since we've last spoken, I've turned 33!  Seriously y'all, I can CLEARLY remember when my Mom turned 33!!!  I think I may have been in a funk...nothing major...nothing going on, just getting antsy...I feel like I am in a life rut.  I go to work, hang out with friends, love on Coco, worship, sleep, repeat. 

There are not many times that I am without passion...that something doesn't have my attention...does that make sense?  Well, I am lacking passion.  I find it rather ironic...I am closer to Jesus now probably more than I have ever been, I spend more time in the word than ever, and I'm yet there's something that I can't shake that causes me to not feel at rest.  And I'm still not sure that these words are the best to describe it.  But that's the best I can do! HA!  (Speaking of irony...one of my kiddos asked me what irony meant, and I sang the line from Alanis Morrisett's song....needless to say, the connection was LOST).  LOL...these kids don't know good music!

I've been listening to this song today, because it kind of sums up what I'm feeling....that even though it's quiet, yet chaotic, still, and at the same time stormy, there is still 'None but Jesus.'  I sure do love Him.

None But Jesus



In the quiet
In the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos in confusion
I know You're sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won't delay
This my song through all my days

All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope
All of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forever more

Magnificent

This song just about did me in today!!  Seriously...so beautiful!  I listen to the Hillsong channel on YouTube while at work, and most days, I can barely get my work done...just wanna throw my hands up and worship...and sing REALLY, REALLY loud...and I really can't sing!


I must walk down the aisle to this on my wedding day...what a celebration that will be!  Sidenote:  I remember when we were in college, Malitta and I went to the wedding of one of my Mom's childhood friends, and she just happened to be a 40 year old virgin.  Her wedding was beautfiul, and long, but that's besides the point.  While I don't think I'll be 40 when I marry, you couldn't tell that 20 year old that I'd be single at almost 33....and it's still all good!

Enjoy this song...

 

 

Who compares to You

Who set the stars in their place
You who calmed the raging seas
That came crashing over me

Who compares to You
You who bring the morning light
The hope of all the earth
Is rest assured in Your great love

You are magnificent, Eternally
Wonderful, Glorious
Jesus, No one ever will compare
To You Jesus

When the evening fades
You call forth songs of joy
As the morning wakes
We Your children give You praise

Weekend Recap!

This weekend was super fun, but it went by super fast!  I got a lot of rest, the clocks went back an hour (a personal early birthday present to me from the world), and I got to see some friends that I don't get to see very often!

I mentioned in my last post that I was meeting some girls from my college bible study for dinner at our leader's house.  We had a blast.  We laughed until we cried, and kind of went around the table and got caught up on one another.  Did I mention the laughs?  Lori is hilarious...and the best part is she's just normally that way.  She just tells her stories with a passion and hand gestures that make it hilarious.  LOVE HER!!

We had salad and homemade chicken pot pie for dinner, and cookies and chocolate covered pretzels for dessert.  So so so fun!

I love how we are all just sitting around engulfed in what Lori is saying in the top pic...and don't think she was tired in that shot....she was acting out some part of her story...lol, because that's how she rolls!

So today, I enjoyed sleeping in...the extra hour was just icing on the cake, and I got a chance to wake up leisurely, walk Coco, and just clean a bit.

Church was amazing, and this series is over Joy, and comes from the book of Philippians.  The funny thing is I was JUST telling the girls last night about some things God has been showing me about Joy, in regards to some people that I've met along the way.  It is so important that the 'joy of the Lord be your strength.'  Happiness and joy should not be based on your circumstances.  If that's the case, you will suffer from a horrible roller coaster of emotions.

I could really park my car here because I have so much to say on joy, but I'll keep it moving!

Tonight, for dinner, I made something new!  I've been wanting to experiment with brussel sprouts.  And, the other day when I was at HEB grabbing a couple of things, it was bacon week in the sampling stations.  Yes folks, I said BACON WEEK!  I'm not a big sampler, but I found myself walking from station to station, each one outdoing the one before.  Until, I came to the bacon jam station.  Be still my heart.

Yes, y'all, bacon jam!!!  Now, this isn't jam like you put on toast.  It's more savory with a hint of sweet. I have tried it on shrimp, but tonight, I roasted the brussel sprouts and then poured about two tablespoons over them once they were completely cooked and roasted.  SO GOOD!!!

I used this recipe from Pinterest for the brussel sprouts, BUT, instead of using 5 cloves of garlic, I used about 1 teaspoon of finely minced garlic.

http://www.theliveinkitchen.com/2013/10/24/balsamic-roasted-brussels-sprouts-garlic/


Here's what the Bacon Jam looks like:

So, all in all, this weekend was the bomb(dot)com!!!  And now it's over....tomorrow, another day, another dolla dolla bill y'all!!!  BUT!  It is my Birthday Week, so where the party at!!!  LOL...OK, I need to go to bed...my silliness is starting to show!!!

Have a great Monday!

Seasons Change

Today is November 2nd, and after a short stint outside earlier today, I can finally feel the nip in the air, the crispness, and that WONDERFUL feeling that fall brings.  I LOVE, LOVE,  LOVE this time of year.  Plus, it means that we are a few steps closer to Christmas!!!!  In fact, I noticed them putting up the city Christmas decorations, on Halloween...before a trick was even treated!  LOL

Nevertheless, one can't deny that the seasons are changing, and in more ways than one in this house.

I know I've mentioned this before, but 2012 was an interesting year for me to say the least.  Until recently, I've viewed it as a setback, a year of wandering and confusion, with little professional growth, but I could NEVER deny the personal and spiritual growth that I experienced.  In fact, that's what I cherish the most about that time....JESUS!!!!  Do you know Him...?  LOL!

But anyway, that's not what this post is about...dredging up the past...this post is about the future; like my birthday that's in 5 days....or my cousin's wedding...speaking of weddings....when is MINE?  HA!

I was driving the other day, feeling a bit overwhelmed by my to-do list; the garbage, grocery shopping, my new car registration sticker, the car needs an oil change, going to the pet store, 1st of the month obligations....can a sister get a Boaz to pay some bills...lol, driving out of town for the third time in four weeks, and just not feeling like it...you know...those moments when you find yourself needing a helpmate?!  Anyway, a couple of months ago, these thoughts would have put me in a sour mood, but that particular day, I blasted my praise music, and thanked God for the super awesome man he MUST be preparing for me because it's taking so dang long!  Like, he must be amazing...seriously y'all!  LOL

Anyway, I am hopeful with no real evidence other than the promise I have from Him that my time will come...even if it's taking forever to me.  Which in actuality is the only evidence I need.

PLUS, I'm praying about two huge things right now...seeking His will for me in regards to them, because I've been there before, and just don't want to move ahead of time...I'll share more when I have a direction from Him...new seasons!

So...here's to new seasons, and new fun stuff happening!!!  Have a GREAT day you guys!

Jarvis

P.S.  Tonight, I'm headed to my former college ministry leader's house to hang out with some dear friends from Baylor!  I'm SO excited...this is our second year doing this!  I'll be sure to post pictures later!!

Made Me Glad

My MOST favorite praise and worship song is hands down, "Made Me Glad," performed by Hillsong.

No matter when this song comes on, I stop what I am doing, and belt out a tune worthy of a Grammy....I'm talking hands raised, mouth wide open, and eyes closed....lol!  I've caught other drivers looking from time to time, and I don't care how ridiculous I look....this song is my heart's cry!

For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. Psalm 92:4 (NIV)

Can't you just shout at the magnitude of this scripture?  Think of all the things you know that only God did, and only He brought you out of....are you shouting now?!

I'm reading a new devotional, God is Able,  by Priscilla Shirer.  Have you ever read any of her books?  I've read I believe all of them, and if I could dream up one of my favorite Saturdays, it would be Darlene Zschech leading praise and worship, Priscilla Shirer sharing the good news, and Beth Moore closing us out in the benediction...lol! 

The book is based off of Ephesians 3:20-21;
²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

I'm sure if you're anything like me, you've read this scripture hundreds of times, but you may not ever think about the magnitude of it all.  How the God of the universe, in all His power and might, can DO anything that we could even imagine.  Mind blowing isn't it?  I love how Priscilla says that it is human nature for us to toil and fret over a problem, even a tiny one, before we hand it over to the all powerful, all knowing Father.....anyway, I don't want to give away too much of the book, just know that it is a must read if you're dealing with an "it."  (The "it" is whatever worries you, bothers you, or whatever it is that you think God can't fix).

And in the off chance that you have not heard "Made Me Glad" in real life, or just want to hear it again, here's the video!  Enjoy!!!

~J

P.S.  I am finished with the script for the HC post, but the pics are acting up, so it's still not published...I'll get it up soon!

I'm coming HOME!

I'm so excited!  I can't wait to leave work today!!!  It's been so long since I've been to a BU Homecoming....2008 to be exact!  I'll have plenty of pics to share!  And stories!  And revelations from my drives...you know how God speaks to me when I'm traveling.

I dropped the little one (Coco) off this morning...I struggled with bringing her.  I don't want to be that far for two nights, but she LOVES her groomer, and literally took off out of my arms when they opened the door...lol!  I have a feeling she won't miss me at all..

Get ready Waco, I'm coming home!

Just Enough...

One day, I happened across this blog, and immediately fell in love with the writer's words.  I remember going all the way to the beginning of her blog, and reading each post, one by one.  The author's love for Christ was evident.  She epitomized the scripture, "delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." 

I remember reading her posts, which often times were prayers, and her thoughts straight to Jesus, and thinking would I ever be like that.  Would I ever be completely content with where I was, and you know, be delightful...lol?!  I remember asking myself that question, and I remember hearing an answer that at the time, I wasn't pepared to hear.  It was as if I had read that blog so that I could get a glimpse of where God wanted to take me, but you see...I didn't want to go.  I have alwasy struggled with releasing control, being totally dependent on Him, and just relishing in His glory...And so, I cooled my feet on the corner of Defiance Blvd., and I've Got a Better Plan Way and here I've been ever since...HA!

At the time, I felt that my walk was ok, that I didn't really need to be so engulfed with Him (I'm so embarrassed to type that), that I would move to the next level (whatever that is...) doing just enough.  I wanted God to take stock of my life, see that I went through the motions, be pleased with what He saw, and bless me indeed.  I'm just being honest here.  I wanted all of that, but I wasn't willing to pay the cost.

I distinctly remember hearing God tell me that He wanted it all, and I distinctly remember acting like I didn't hear it.....isn't that the CRAZIEST thing ever?!  I'm laughing at myself....silly J!

So, here I am...probably two years later, and God still wants what He wants!  He's not letting me off of the hook, and I am ridiculous for thinking I could get around it.  BUT, in my defense, as weak as it is, I am ready, and until you're ready, you're not!  LOL!

"You chose this "situation", you thought it was what I wanted child, but you chose this, now choose to return to me fully and I will retrain your every thought and action so that YOU LIVE IN FREEDOM!"

I'm sure you guys are much smarter for reading this...and if you're still with me, bless your heart!  Thanks for letting me share!

In other news, this weekend, I am headed to WACO for Baylor's Homecoming this weekend, and I am SO PUMPED!!!!  Like really, really, really, really excited!  I neeeeeeed to get away!  I need to spend some time with friends that I haven't seen in a really long time!  I'm even looking forward to the drive...lol!  I'll be sure to post pics since my last few posts have been so wordy! 

Have a great rest of the week!

J

P.S.  If you want to read the post that I'm referring to.... click here!  Caroline's story is beautiful....like only God can do!

Something is coming...

This has to be a record.  I am blogging in the same month and year as my previous post!  Alert the masses people, this is a miracle!

I wanted to blog about the crazy set of events that has happened within the last week or so of my life.  Last Sunday, I was visiting the BFF and her family, and I felt myself getting sick.  When sickness is about to descend upon me, I can just feel it.  I started to get really cold, and just felt bad.  But when I awoke Monday, it was horrible.  I sounded like a man, and my body physically ached.  I couldn't move.  I literally had to pray that I would have strength to get out of the bed.  It was horrible.  Chills, fever, night sweats, a horrible sore throat, THE worst.

Anyway, I ended up missing two days of work, and was literally EXCITED when I returned because that meant that I would be in the land of the living. 

Fast forward to the weekend.  I was getting my eyebrows arched, and even though I asked the lady NOT to put the mineral oil on my face to clean the wax off, (it breaks me out), she did it anyway.  She proceeded to massage my temples, which I hated, THEN, she massaged my tear ducts.  Every internal alarm was going off within me, and I told her NO!  Don't do that, you shouldn't touch people's eyes.

When I left the salon, I called my Mom and told her what happened.  She chuckled at my annoyance, because I immediately thought the worst, and just said maybe I shouldn't return. 

Well, that Sunday when I awoke early morning for a trip to the potty, I noticed that my eyes were glued shut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I immediately knew that I had pink eye.........in BOTH eyes!  I was so angry.  This woman had violated my personal space, and given me her nasty, funky, germs.  My spirit was/is so grieved.  Heck, it's still grieved.  Isn't that Rule 101, to never touch your eyes, or someone else's for that matter? 

So now, while nursing a horrible night cough, I also have double pink eye.  I seriously look like I've been crying for about a year, my eyes are so so red.  Did I mention how angry I am at this lady?  Woosah....pray for me in this area....for my flesh is ready to pounce.

I finally declared healing and wholeness over my body today.  I'm tired of being sick, not feeling myself, and having itchy eyes.  I'm ready to be back on top of life....whole, healthy!

Moving forward!  I can't go into details right now, because quite frankly, I don't know, but I can feel something on the horizon, and it makes me happy....you know why?!  Because I've been right here, in this place for far too long!  I'll keep you posted, but something is coming, and it's not another illness!

Blog Much?...

It's been a while since I have actually posted a blog post.  With Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, it almost feels cumbersome to whip out a blog post.  However, I must admit that there is something missing amongst the hashtags, flippant statuses, and quirky remarks social media can bring about.

Sometimes, you just need to blog it out.  I won't attempt to 'catch you up,' so to speak.  That would take a lifetime.  I feel as though so much has happened.  I left the classroom, followed my dream, learned more about myself in a year and a half that I thought humanly possible, fallen in love, experienced true heartache, I've been humbled, pruned, I've become an Aunt, landed a job opportunity that is proving to rock my world (seriously), gone back into the educational world (for a season), and as I type this today, I am writing from a place of true gratefulness.  My heart is so full.  I have such rich relationships with friends, and my family is blessed.  I am blessed.

More importantly, I've learned that God is still God.  He is so good, and no matter what kind of temper tantrum I throw, He's not rushing. 

I was talking to my best friend a couple of days ago, and we were talking about how people always say you get better with time.  You look better, feel better, (I've certainly become more health conscious), and you just settle into who YOU are.  I'm not trying to please anyone but God.  I live for an audience of ONE.

I'm entering a season of second-time things.  I don't know if this makes sense, but things that I used to love, that I may have put down for a while are catching my attention again.  Not to mention, I can't get enough of the Word.  Seriously, have you read the page book of Philemon?  I hadn't given it a second thought, but it will bless you....read it!

I hope that I make time to blog more.  It really is therapeutic.  I'm welcoming myself back.  Until next time....

Peace!

Hard...

I have not blogged in a very long time.  This has been a very hard year and a half.  I have learned some major lessons.  I want to put a big ole period on this season and turn the page!