Lovin' it!

Found these waiting for me today!
I'm very thankful for a wonderful Dad. Thank you so much! :)

Along with a note with the lyrics to this song :)

My Miracle

I felt horribly bad about doing all those pictures on Tuesday. So here's an actual post for this week! I've gone through a lot this week, it's been a whirlwind week, full of ups and downs. But, honestly, I can say that I'm loved by my Creator, and that's all that matters.
I have the -new- Third Day album, and this morning during my work out, I started listening to it. The 9th song is called "I'll Be Your Miracle". And, I've listened to that CD many times before, but this morning that song stuck out to me.
I've had some tough days spiritually and emotionally in the past three months, and this morning I felt really overwhelmed, like nothing was changing and I wasn't getting anywhere. But, God used that song to show me that He really is all I need. 
He will be the One that's standing next to you.
He will be the One who'll help you make it through.

See, I guess God needed to teach me a lesson this morning. That lesson is 1)He really is enough
2) When He closes one door, He opens a better one, 3)He knows what He's doing.

I get so caught up sometimes, that I fail to walk by faith. I see what is around me, the storms of life, the challenges of being in ministry full time, the stress of running a business, the chaos of being a college student, that I forget "God's got this! He holds tomorrow!".
I was once again reminded of all the wonderful things that God has done, just in the past week. He has opened doors, that I thought could never be opened again. He has shown me that with Him all things are possible, if I just believe.

I guess my advice for today is, let God love you. It's simply really, I know. But, it's so true. Don't block Him out of those broken pieces of your heart, He can heal those too. He is a redeemer and a merciful loving Father. Let Him restore your heart, and be washed in the Word. He's your miracle, after all.

This song is another one of their great songs. Enjoy!

 

Photo Tuesday.

Oh, I love Pinterest. These are some of my favorite pictures on some of my boards. Have a wonderful Tuesday ladies!

And, every woman deserves this moment (in my opinion).

 

 

And, I must say that this is the story of my life.

And, I've always liked this picture. 

And finally, this is the unfortunate truth of not living in SC anymore. We don't have Publix here in Mississippi, and I hate Winn Dixie.

No Matter What

I do realize it has been way too long. I let myself down with not updating it enough, but life is crazy right now & I've been incredibly busy! Anyhow, I want to start with one of my favorite verses.

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." -Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

In my own heart, God's been doing a lot of work. He's been tearing down strong holds and building my faith. However, the biggest thing that God is teaching me to do is trust Him, no matter what.
It's really easy to say that I trust God when I'm standing in front of my church family singing or speaking (sharing my testimony, not teaching). Yet, it can be hard when your doctor tells you that you have 4 more surgeries to undergo, and that it will take you (at the very least) 2 months to recover from each surgery, and then at least another 6 months to finish healing and recovering to prep for the next one. That type of news is life altering.
Even though I got that news a couple of weeks ago, and got in my car and completely broke down, I knew I was going to be okay.
See, my plans for the next year and a half were flipped upside down. Yet, I knew that no matter what God would take care of me.
I've felt His peace, the peace that passes all understanding.
I've known His love when my heart is breaking.
I've drawn from His strength in me when I was hurt.
I've been saved.

Yes, sometimes life absolutely sucks.
There is no way of getting around that.
Sometimes the cards that we are dealt are rather inconvenient and we'd rather trade them in. But, unfortunately we can't.
Why not?
Here's why, because God doesn't just use our good "cards" (situations/life circumstances). He uses every thing, and every day to make us more like Him in every way.
I've been dealt more bad cards than good. But, it doesn't matter.
What matters is, I know that God is good.
I know that He is working EVERYTHING together for my good, and ultimately His glory.

Yes, I lost my mom from cancer, I was a victim of abuse, I have a life altering condition, I am 600 miles away from my Dad 98% of the time, and I am in the hospital/doctors office a good 75% of the time. But, no matter what I will trust in the Lord.


 No matter what.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39

Modesty: Respecting my Brothers

As the warmer weather approaches God really has touched my life with some important lessons. Summer before last, I went to Delaware to visit my grandparents, we spent a day in Philidelphia, and then traveled to Ocean City, Maryland.

I loved it!

While I was there, I needed a new bathing suit. And my step mom and I went to the different shops along the boardwalk. I ended up buying one. I still have it, but as soon as I put it on, I felt like I needed to put shorts on. I felt like I was showing my family, and every other beach goer parts of my body that were not supposed to be seen. 

Don't get me wrong, I love my body. I am thankful for the curves, and being petite. It is nice going to the gym not because I have to, but because I love my body and like to be healthy.

I have been praying for a while about what to do about my dilema of swimwear. I am a fish, I love the water. I absolutely love to swim. But, I always felt weighed down by t shirts/shorts. So, I decided to do some research and found a few great sites that will allow me to swim with ease and be modest. It took me a little while, but I am grateful that there are great fashionable options. 

I'm not only doing this for me though.

See, summertime especially in the south can get well over 100 degrees. In fact starting in April, until around October, it usually is in the 95-108 degree range. I hate warm weather. I have always been tempted to just put on something that may be immodest, but at least I'm not dying,

Then, I figured out, it's the type of fabrics I'm wearing. Choosing the right fabrics for dresses/skirts/shorts can save your life.

But, as for the guys, my dressing modestly will help them out. They are commanded not to look at a woman with lust in their hearts. Yet, how can they? Go to the beach, girls are walking around in what is equivalent to their underwear.

I want to be a blessing, not a stumbling block for those guys that are trying to honor God. And this is the first of many steps that I must take.

Whenever I go shopping, (which is a lot, sadly) I always have a mental checklist.

Is this breaking my strapless rule?

Are those shorts too short?

If my Dad saw me in this, how would he feel?

Can I wear it to church respectfully?

I am in no way trying to be legalistic, however I felt that these measures were needed.

Stacy at "Your Sacred Calling" puts it this way:

"Love your brothers in Christ (and other men) enough to want to help them not to sin, rather than risk being a likely stumbling block. Yes, some guys will lust regardless; just make sure you aren’t an actual participant in the problem. Love your husband (or future husband) enough to save yourself for him."

Have a wonderful weekend! :)

I Am Stronger Than You Think

For those of you who have just joined the blog, or who do not know me, I hope that this post (and blog) in particular inspires you.

Before I was born, my mom who was 15 was told that I would have spina bifida and would probably not make it to my second birthday. She was asked if she wanted to have an abortion, and told the doctors that I was her daughter, and I deserved life. I was supposed to be born on July 1st, I was born on May 1st. I weighed a pound and seven ounces. I could fit in a grown man's hand. They had to dress me in doll clothes because even the premie dresses wouldn't fit me. It is a miracle from the GOOD Lord that I am even breathing today.

Once I was born, they discovered I did not have spina bifida. Instead, I had (and have) a rather severe bilateral cleft lip and palate. I have had 17 surgeries and will have my 18th in early May (wonderful birthday present [insert sarcasm here]).

Friends, I'm blessed. Each day is a gift.

Many people have told me "you're too small", "you can't beat this", "you are ruined". However, I choose not to believe it.

Yes, I may have a disorder that consumes my daily life with doctors visits every week and frequent trips to the hospital, but this disorder does not define me or who I am. I am not just a patient, I am daughter of the Most High King, I am beloved. I am a sister, daughter, friend, mentor, photographer, musician, dancer, I am Jess. I am NOT this disorder. I am more.

I am strong. By God's grace, I am a survivor.

Before my Mom passed away in 2007 from cancer, she had a pep talk with me. She reminded me of how strong I am, and how I beat the doctors expectations, and how I could change the world, if I only believed in myself, and trusted God. That pep talk was the last real conversation I had with her.

I want to change the world, I want to show the darkness that the Light can't be covered up. I have a hope, and a fire inside of me that I want to use to glorify my Father.

I know God has a BIG and unique calling on my life, and I only recently fully embraced it.

I've been given gifts musically and I have a "one of a kind spirit" (Mrs. Tina wrote that on a card that is taped to my dresser). I have the best medical care on the Gulf Coast, and an amazing church family.

While I've been telling myself, I can't, God has been whispering "You can, just trust in Me". While I have been screaming "Lord, You can't use me, look at me!", He says "I use the simple to confound the wise, and the weak to confound the strong."*

And, after my first year in college, and much prayer, and thought about the economy, I've decided to pursue a dream, a ministry in music. Trust me, I changed my mind and went back and forth a million times, before just surrendering to God's call.

I may not be the best, but Philippians 4:19 says "my God will supply all my lack, according to the riches in Christ Jesus."*

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

And so can you.


* rough paraphrase, grab a Bible and read it :)

To All the Men of God

Dear Men of God,

As a single 19 year old female, I wish to apologize to you. I know that following Jesus is hard in the culture we live in, and mediocre Christianity is often deemed acceptable.However, I wish to encourage you in some simple truths and promises through the following paragraphs.

I love God, I hope that is obvious by this blog, but I just wanted to say it. I present truth number one to you now, I (and others like me) resolve to love God more than we will ever love you. I refuse to find my ultimate emotional (and physical) fulfillment in you. God has given me a desire to want to be loved, accepted, cherished, and needed by you, but this is only meant to be an earthly representation of how much I should depend on Him every second of every day for the rest of my life.

I commit to dress in a way that will not cause you to stumble. Some may find this objectionable, however I believe it not only honors God, but it honors you. I will not expose parts of my body that should not be seen. I promise to be wise when shopping, even if the dress is cute and on sale. I resolve to cover up at the beach. Honestly, what is the difference between a bikini and me walking outside in my bra and underwear? And, yes there are options out there that will allow me to swim faster than you and not weigh me down. 

I will use my time and talents in a way that serves God, and honors Him. I will not waste my time being idle, but will use every gift that God has given me. In my spare time I will perfect the talents He has entrusted me with, and grow deeper in the Word.

I will act in a way that encourages you to walk in purity and truth. I do not have the same last name as you, or a ring on my finger, therefore I have no reason to be touching you. 

I will encourage and not belittle your position as men. I will allow you to be men. This means even those hobby's that I may find ridiculous, I will accept. I will not speak ill of you, or anyone else and guard my tongue. We are told not to offend brothers in the Lord. I will submit to your leadership when needed, and rise up to be a teammate when applicable.

In short I will

 "Trust Him, Proverbs 3:5-6. Honor him, Proverbs 31:12."

In Christ,

Jess