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

Unemployed

I am so, SO tired of searching for employment. My story is like so many others... and I'm not trying to be selfish. I'm just trying to be transparent.

Many of you know that I graduated with my Masters degree in December 2009. I've been looking for a job in my field ever since. I've applied to at least 400 jobs... had about 12 interviews...6 second interviews. And no offers. I have recommendations galore, a shining resume, a stellar transcript. I have "connections" and have been the "shoe-in" several times. It doesn't matter.

I've struggled with feeling "less than," feeling rejection. And yet, in the back of my mind, I know GOD is in control. And I've been nothing short of grateful that throughout this time, I've had my heart's desire- to be a stay-at-home Momma to the BEST little girl in the world. I love it. I wouldn't trade it for a salary and benefits.

Yet, sometimes my mind reels... and I just get *stuck* wondering "What's the deal, God?! Don't you know that we're unemployed and uninsured??" And every time bills are due, there's always plenty to pay them. And every time the pantry is bare, it gets filled right back up again. God is absolutely faithful & true- Jehovah Jireh! Your mind would be blown if I gave you numbers... but to put it simply, we've had more money in our bank account being unemployed and frugal-minded than we ever had ever. Pretty impressive since Arthur left a well-paying career in the Army last Fall. But the point is- God is simply amazing.

But, even with all this truth I'm weak sometimes. I doubt. I get mad. I start feeling "entitled," "better than" that other person who got the job... "more qualified." You get the picture. And every time God teaches me the lesson of humility. Of deep faith. Of complete and total dependence on Him. He sends me encouragements along the way- kind words from friends and family, a verse that ministers to my soul, a worship song that let's me know He is working in my waiting!

And tonight... here's the words I read when I couldn't sleep... 12:20 a.m. and I open my eSword software to be quiet and alone with Him. Here it is:


One Step Closer to a Yes (Rylism)
"Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around." (Proverbs 13:12, The Message)


A friend in the promotion business says, "Every time someone tells me "NO!" I get happier — because I'm one step closer to that person who will say "YES!"


Some people cannot bear to be told "NO" even once; let alone repeatedly. And then there are others who stop just one person too soon. All they needed was to ask one more time. But they didn't. Disappointment can do that to you if you let it. Especially if it seems to be unrelenting — one blow after the next.


Years ago I discovered a splendid little poem that has anchored my life in those times when everything seems to be going wrong — times when your hopes are dashed, your dreams have faded, your deepest desires thwarted, and when so many great expectations become inexplicably disappointed. Maybe you will find it helpful, too.


"Disappointment. HIS appointment. Change one letter, then I see that the thwarting of my purpose is God's better choice for me!"


It is true, as the proverb says, that unrelenting disappointment can leave you heartsick. But the rest of the proverb is also true — "a sudden good break can turn life around." One doesn't come without the other.


Draw yet another breath, my fellow traveler; though you have paused alongside the road — you have not stopped. Your journey is not finished. There's a bend in the road up ahead. And the bend in the road is not the end of the road — unless you fail to make the turn.


Tip your hat respectfully to old man Disappointment, and then be on your way; for God has something better in mind for you. And though you have heard "NO" perhaps a thousand times — you are actually one step closer to a "YES!"


And that single "Yes" can turn your life around!


Thank you, Lord for Your plan for me... I'm waiting for the bend in the road!! My time WILL come in accordance with Your timing. <3

XO
Jessica