Today

How many times do we pray that the things we want and the things we need become one and the same?

Today was the day. The day where what should be and what are collided into the now. 

In 2007, just shortly after Arthur surrendered his life to Christ, he heard the clarion call of his life- to enter ministry. Not just any ministry, but Military Chaplaincy in particular. The calling seemed absurd. I remember clearly when he told me over the phone, since he was in Iraq defending the red, white and blue at the time... I chuckled. I shrugged it off. And just like Moses, the reaction was "Who, me? I can't do that, Lord." But after trials, growth and conviction of the Lord, by mid-2008 it was more and more clear that we could get on the path God had set before us or run the other way, kicking and screaming in unhappiness forever.

We chose the first. It took me awhile to get on-board: to really trust that God could make Arthur into a man suited for ministry. I needed to learn to trust that God could use me and shape me and mold me into a godly woman to support such a man. I worried about what it'd be like to be a ministry wife, or essentially a Pastor's wife. What would I have to give up? Arthur worried about the credentials he'd need to become a Chaplain- a Masters Degree in Divinity, 2 years of full-time Pastoral experience, letters of recommendation, licensure... He only had a high school diploma. The lists were long; the odds were stacked. Who we were didn't seem fit for "ministry." But one day at a time, we put our trust in the Lord to work it out. We said YES. Not even knowing fully what that yes would mean...

I could write a novel about the trials, challenges, leaps of faith and other things that have happened in the nearly 6 years since that Still, Small Voice spoke clearly to my husband in his desert sun in the middle of Iraq... But suffice it to say, it's been a roller coaster  We've made difficult decisions, such as my husband leaving a 10+ year very successful, well-paying career in the Army so he could get the education necessary to become a Chaplain. Arthur's had to face insecurities and lies from the enemy that have ended in triumph and victory in the Lord. His high school Guidance Counselor, who once told him he'd amount to nothing, is the fool now. My husband has nearly a 4.0 in graduate school, has an innovative mind and the hurts of his heart have made him a very compassionate man. God has been beyond good in his life, showing Him favor. 

And of course my heart and life have been transformed on this journey... I am no longer afraid of having to be a "perfect ministry wife." I no longer look at this call with selfishness. God has allowed me to learn the art of transparency while ministering which has taught me humility. It's made me more real to other women, and has forged deep friendships and love between them and I. I know that the only thing I have to BE to be a "Pastor's Wife" is fully, completely in love with my Savior. Out of that relationship, I can be anything He calls me to.

So today... Today's the day that our prayers have been heard. Answered. The day I can officially say- I AM the Pastor's wife. Arthur was hired on as an Associate Pastor at our church. It may not sound like a real big deal. But it is. It's a requirement for the Call. It's God's favor because of our obedience. It's amazing. Neither of us can really believe it's real. But we just want to PRAISE GOD for being everything He said He is! We are so blessed to be able to serve the Body of Christ at our local body. We get to "make a living" loving like Jesus. How awesome is that?

Whirlwind Week

It's been a week full of disappointments. Full of heart-wrenching news. Full of terrible circumstance.

Many Jesus-loving followers are discouraged. Even the Wal-Mart cashier- a young man I don't even know by name- commented on his level of discouragement as a Believer.

• We faced an election where many were hopeful for a season of new leadership- and we're let down. The emotions surrounding just that one part of life are charged and raging through many. I have read so many terrible things wishing ill to both candidates that break my heart. God has given us the freedom of choice- and He does let us have what we want!

• This week we faced circumstance alongside our sisters/brothers in the Lord: loss of business opportunities, loss of life at the end of a long battle with cancer, loss of life due to a car accident... Devastion due to Hurricane Sandy. Christian marriages barely hanging by a thread. Moms at their witts-end because they lack support and encouragement. Women pregnant with child who are facing signifcant health issues and the fear of losing the baby all the while our country at large supports the wilfull murder of innocent, unborn chidlren. People battling sickness. Spirit-filled ministers facing evil circumstances and ministering to stubborn flocks. Children who have no parents and need a home- right in our own communities- that are overlooked and unwanted.

• The "me, me, me" mentality haunting every corner of life constantly trying to win my attention as I battle with humility and pride to put myself aside day after day and clothe myself with Christ. 

• And even closer to home, we face the possibility of quickly becoming a statistic in the Unemployment Rate as we received news my job- our main financial provision- is in jeopardy. It's nearly a matter of time until there is no more work to do.

I'll be honest- my gut reaction is not godly. Fear. Pain. Anger. Anxiety. Disgust. I am generally an even-keeled, level-headed, faith-filled woman. And in the admission of feeling those things, it's easy to become discouraged and even depressed. Why?

The reason is simple and ridiculous all at once- I thought.

 

I thought I could be strong.

                                          I thought my prayers were working.

I thought my encouragement toward others was enough.

I thought He would heal them...

I thought my faith was strong.

                                                                 I thought I was doing enough...

                                             I thought surely God would overcome my ideology of evil with good.

                                                             I thought...

But Scripture tells us that even as Believers our thoughts are evil (Jeremiah 17:9). There's not one thought in my mind that is truth, unless it comes directly from the heart of God in Scripture.

I have to replace these thoughts with TRUTH.

 

He holds the hearts of rulers in His hand. (Proverbs 21:1)

                                    He alone knows the heart of man (I Kings 8:38-39)

I am weak.  HE IS STRONG. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

                                                                  Pray without ceasing. (I Thessalonians 5:17)

The effective, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much. (James 5:16)

         Encourage one another as long as it is called today. (Hebrews 3:13)

                                                               God creates and sustains life. (Psalm 139:13)

              For to live is Christ but to die is gain! (Philippians 1:21)

He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16); Divorce is an option only because of hardness of heart (Matthew 19:8) He has given us hearts of flesh, not hearts of stone!! (Ezekiel 36:26)

                                                     Some sheep are really goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

As a believer, my worldview is through a foggy mirror (I Corinthians 13:12). I think this or I think that. But what I need to THINK is what Jesus tells me to think. What He has revealed through Scripture or whispers to my heart in a still, small voice (in accordance with His Word, might I add!)

Yet, in the twists and turns, the uncertainty and change, there is one constant- Jesus.
He never leaves. He never forsakes. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
He's right here. Right now.
In the middle of my fear, He's here.
In the middle of my pan, He's here.
In the middle of my anxiety, He's here.
In the midst of my disgust or frustration, He is here.
He will not leave. I
 do not have to hide my heart or my emotions. I
 do not have to impress HIM.
I do not have to be downcast that I'm not "more faithful."

I can simply run into His arms and let Him see my tears. I can open my heart and let Him pour what I need into me. I can trust HIM. I can think on HIM.

So, it's been a week... But it's HIS week. This is the week HE HAS MADE. I will rejoice and be glad in it!! I will stand upon the Truth and upon His promises... All things will work together for my good because that's what HE said! (Romans 8:28)

More DIY

I keep "perfecting" Nursery Letters- these are truly my favorite gifts to give. It lends for a personalized touch to the nursery, allows me to unleash my creativity and are always loved. This time I used Spray Adhesive instead of Mod Podge and I'm very pleased with this result. I will continue to do it this way going forward! This letter "K" I made for my friend's newborn daughter, Kinley.

Hubby finally built me the shelves I've been desiring for our living room. They were very simple to make! He used 2-8' MDF Boards and made a small ledge on the front of them using Quarter Round. We primed/painted them white and they are the perfect ledges to display my black and white photography and other pieces of artwork. I am so pleased with the outcome since I was able to hang my iron Artwork "As for Me and My House."

Jehovah Jireh

In the Old Testament when God showed up and showed off, His servants would respond by building a monument to remember His Faithfulness.

We need more monuments in this day and age… It’s so, so easy to forget His Faithfulness. Emails, text messages, work, children, husband, church, fellowship, ministry… there are more distractions we deal with than ever before in history. Each distraction begs for our attention and always takes our eyes off the Lord.

But, I need some monuments to God’s Provision. 

As many of you know, Arthur got out of the Army in October and neither of us had secured employment. But every month, our bills got paid. Every month our bank account GREW. How? I really can’t fully explain that. It was supernatural.

Then, in the last month God gave me employment… not just one paying job, but TWO! And in a matter of weeks these are the things God did in our Finances. These are my monuments:

1.       After taking a finance class, God started telling us to eliminate debt. So, we decided to sell our vehicle that still had payments (our Jeep). God showed up. He honored us honoring Him. We sold that vehicle for more than we owed, so we had a surplus!

2.       THEN, God knew we’d need another vehicle because of the lifestyle we live as a family in ministry… So He provided an affordable option- nothing fancy, but something fuel efficient and in good shape. And we paid cash… less cash than the surplus we made! And of course, this cut down on our Car Insurance!

3.       God not only provided for our NEEDS, He’s given us our desires:

a.       I wanted a Trifle Bowl to make fancy desserts… God gave me a FREE one that someone had donated at a Swap event.

b.      I wanted new patio furniture, specifically a Settee.  Our neighbors gave us a beautiful 5 piece Settee for FREE because they bought new patio furnishings.

c.       Giana’s growing up and we wanted to get her a Daybed for her 3^rd Birthday. It just so happens that our friend’s teenager outgrew her immaculate Daybed (“it’s too cutesy and girly”) and they’re giving it to us for FREE.

d.       My laptop is sucking… literally. My battery has a pathetic charge life. It runs slow. It’s just no bueno for working from home on my computer for hours a day. But our friend who happens to build computers as a hobby has an extra computer he built laying around “the Spirit told [him] to give us.” Awesome. Might I mention it is wicked fast and comes with a ginormous Flatscreen Monitor- ideal for my job!! God, you’re so awesome.

4.       God knows we desire to cut down and eliminate our bills. He showed us that we could pay for Walmart’s Cell Phone Service- Straight Talk- and use their SIM Card in any Smartphone. So, we got phones we liked/wanted and needed (for my work) and cut our cell phone service bill by $75!! We have BETTER reception and service than we had in a traditional contract. BETTER phones and a MUCH CHEAPER monthly bill.

“Ask and it shall be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Ask. God listens…to the petty things like Trifle Bowls to the big needs like Vehicles. He is SO VERY FAITHFUL if you just put your FAITH in HIM! HE WILL PROVIDE. He has. What Monuments should you build??

XO,

Jessica

I Love You Because...

I have the pleasure of being the Leader for a Mom's Group in my church called "Encouraging Mothers." We've been in the habit of trying to spend our time together doing something fun and productive at our meetings. I love the group of ladies and the children have so much fun playing together each time we meet.

Though this is a bit delayed, around Valentine's Day we did a simple project together. One of the MOST popular Pinterest Pins is the "I love you because" board. Well, that's what we made together. And, from that I've heard beautiful testimonies on how that simple project allowed woman to focus more on encouraging their husbands, which has benefited their marriage.

I made one of course for my Beloved... I personalized the look of it to match our bedroom decor. Here it is:

 I spent NO money on this project that made a beautiful Valentine's Day gift for my Hubby. I had all the supplies sitting around my garage- an old frame, Scrapbook Paper, Printer/Ink and a Paper Flower.

I'd love to see your version of the "I Love You Because" Board! Link below in the comment section.

XO
Jessica

New Business Endeavor

I'm excited to announce that I'm now an Independent Consultant for Blessings Unlimited!

Blessings Unlimited offers a unique blend of ministry and business with exclusive home decor items and gifts created to encourage hearts, build relationships, and bring beauty and Truth into your heart and home.

Blessings Unlimited was founded in 2006 by DaySpring© Inc., the world's leading producer of Christian greeting cards and gifts. DaySpring is a subsidiary of Hallmark® Cards. For 40 years, DaySpring has partnered with Christian stores in local communities to offer meaningful products. Blessings Unlimited continues that tradition and extends the opportunity for your business and personal faith to coincide.

Th name "Blessings Unlimited" is based on this Scripture from John:

"From the fullness of His grace we have received one blessing after another." John 1:16

Please consider booking an in-home show or an online catalog show! Click here out the beautiful Scripture-based home products and gifts Blessings Unlimited has to offer! Hostesses can earn wonderful FREE products and get deep discounts on all merchandise!


Thanks for your support in this endeavor.
XO
Jessica

More Baby Projects with Free Printable

True to Spring is the season of babies!! I have SO many friend expecting babies, and this year seems to be the year of the sweet GIRL. So, I wanted to show you some of my recent crafts for babies!

Baby Nursery Letters

You can buy these Nursery Letters online for $7-15 dollars PER LETTER. Or you can make them yourself for a fraction of the cost!

Individual Letters- $2 each
4 sheets of Scrapbooking Paper- $1.98
Spool of ribbon- 99 cents

Other Materials I had on hands (no cost):
Mod Podge
Craft Paint

Overall I paid approximately $12 for these beautiful nursery letters that will match my friend's baby nursery theme just perfectly.

Personalized Nursery Art

Another affordable craft that's unique and personalized!

8 x 10 Wood Plaque- $2
Paper Flower- $1

Other Materials used that I had on hand:

Paper and Printer (for the graphic Bible Verse I made)
Permanent Marker (for baby's name in calligraphy)

Craft Paint

Pearl Stickers
Mod Podge

Overall, I paid about $3 for this! I paid more on shipping this to my friend than I did on making it!

**FREEBIE: If you like the Bible Verse Graphic Printable, here it is.**

XO
Jessica