It's Not a Fairytale

As a little girl, I remember watching fairytales like Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Dumbo.  The idea that life could be so idyllic was mesmerizing to me.  While I still look forward to the day when I meet my very own Prince Charming, I always knew, even as a child, that pixie dust could not fix every problem and that elephants could not fly.  Even so, it was such an awesome experience to imagine a world of make believe where anything was possible.  That’s why I was captivated when I first heard the words, “With God, anything is possible.”

You see, the best stories I ever heard as a child were not fairytales at all.  For in my very favorite book, there is a non-fiction account of a young boy slaying a giant.  In this book, men survived the lion’s den.  And one individual literally parted the Red Sea.  A few loaves of bread and a handful of fish fed thousands.  And the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was born in a manger and then hung on a cross to die.  At that very moment, my sins were all washed away.  But the best part of all is that He arose from the dead on the third day and sits at the right hand of His Father in Heaven to this very day.  And I can talk to Him whenever I want, no cell phone required!  While the stories in the Bible seem wondrous and awe-inspiring, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that every single one of them is 100% true.

When I watch the news, I can’t help but think how many prophecies in the Bible are coming true today, right before our very eyes.  Just as the Bible predicts, nations are rising up against nation, and there are wars and rumors of wars.  The line between right and wrong is being blurred, as seen in the way millions of babies are losing their lives each year through abortion.  And homosexuality, drugs, alcohol, and other promiscuous behavior are gradually becoming more and more acceptable within our society.  The government is being infiltrated by corruption as well, causing confusion as to who can be trusted.  Children are being influenced by the wrong crowd, and they often lack the parental support that is so crucial to a young person’s transition into adulthood.  Even the weather has turned on its head with record highs and lows in the most unlikely places, as well as an ever-increasing number of earthquakes, snowfalls, tornadoes, and other severe weather around the world.

Let’s face it.  Life is not the same as it was when my parents and grandparents were growing up.  Black and white has turned to gray.  We no longer live in the Donna Reed or Leave it to Beaver society where every neighborhood is ornately manicured and the mother wears pearls to cook dinner for her family every evening.  While wearing pearls is certainly not the criteria for a good mother, it is certain that these shows did promote moral behavior, strong family relationships, and the idea that life is a valuable gift.  Since then, the definition of a family has been altered quite considerably in some homes and many people take life for granted.  The Bible refers to the “gracious gift of life” (I Peter 3:7).  We have been given something that money cannot buy.  We can take our life and use it for the glory of God, treating it like the treasure that it is, or we can throw it away as if it has no value or worth in our eyes.

God’s Word says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)  Jesus Christ did not die so that we would lead an immoral life and throw our lives away.  He died so that we could live a life of abundance, a life of joy, peace, and love.  Jesus Christ loves you more than you could ever possibly imagine.  Your life is valuable.  You have a purpose on this earth.  You matter.  And it is my prayer that you will follow in His footsteps.  I pray that you will ask Him to be the Lord of your life.  I pray that you will begin to enjoy a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you do, your life will be forever changed.  And your future will get a whole lot brighter!

For centuries, people have talked about the return of Jesus Christ.  Sadly, I’m sure some people have decided that it is just a fairytale.  But one day soon, Gabriel’s trumpet will sound aloud, announcing the coming of the one and only King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  All Christians will rise up to meet Him in the sky.  We will live eternally with Him.  I urge you to please ensure that your heart is right with God and that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  As the song says, redemption draweth nigh.  Friend, the Bible is true.  There is only one God.  Jesus Christ is real.  And He is coming back for His chosen people any day now.  I pray you are ready.  For the return of Jesus Christ is not a fairytale, but a dream come true for those who are gazing at the Eastern Sky!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

A Crowning Achievement

When I was a little girl, I remember watching the movie Cinderella, wondering if one day I would become a princess and get swept off of my feet by Prince Charming.  I would also stand mesmerized when I saw the Disney Princesses dance across the forecourt stage at Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World in Orlando.  While I never truly aspired to be a “princess” when I grew up, I often wondered what it would be like to have a glistening crown placed upon my head.  I vividly recall playing dress up with my friends, where I would put on a fancy dress, high heel shoes, and a little plastic tiara.  I would twirl around just like a little princess, enjoying my reign, no matter how temporary it may have been.  Years ago, when I was pretending to be a princess, God must have been smiling up in Heaven.  You see, God has always known that today, one of my childhood dreams really would come true.

Today, I was crowned Ms. Suwannee County Fair 2011.  Standing on the platform, receiving my crown, sash, and trophies, I stood in awe that God would give me this opportunity.  I truly felt like a princess.  I was humbled, very shocked, and felt completely overjoyed.  Nearly every emotion ran through my mind like a whirlwind.  As I filled out the application several weeks ago, I wondered why I suddenly had a desire to enter my first beauty pageant.  Still, the desire was there, so I forged ahead with my plans.  Now I know God must have been nudging me all along, knowing how happy I would be with the outcome.  He knew that I, a daughter of the King, would enjoy a journey to cloud nine.  He knew my nearly perpetual smile would grow just a little bit wider when the crown was placed upon my head. 

Having lived in Suwannee County all of my life, earning the title Ms. Suwannee County Fair is quite special to me.  I have literally grown up watching the county fair change over the years.  And yet, there are a lot of things that have remained the same.  Walking past the Livestock Barn, I fondly remember my ten years in 4-H when I participated in the swine show, goat show, pet show…you name it, I was in it!  When I walk through the youth exhibits, I remember the countless hours my Mom and I spent with other 4-Hers, preparing and building masterpieces in those perfectly square, blue curtained spaces.  As I walk through the midway, I think of the first time I rode the Tilt-a-Whirl, and when I visit the petting zoo, I remember the time the owner of the previous petting zoo gave me my first pygmy goat.  The county fair holds so many fond memories, and I am grateful to the Lord for allowing me to create new memories.  From the infamous corn boil to the Lion’s Club food pavilion and the poultry barn to the crafts exhibit, the county fair will always hold a special place in my heart.

Even amid the unfathomable joy that continues to fill my heart, my first ever pageant win was somewhat bittersweet at first.  I couldn’t help but think how proud my Mom would have been and how excited she would have been to see me crowned in my first pageant, receiving my first sash and my first crown.  Still, I am so thankful that I have my Dad here, supporting me in everything I do.  The past couple of years have been very difficult for us.  Old experiences are hard because my Mom, Dad, and I did them together.  New experiences are tough because I wish my Mom had been able to experience them with my Dad and me.  There are times when I want to avoid new things altogether because my Mom is not here.  In the past few months, God has helped me see that I can still enjoy life without my Mom.  It is a new and different “normal,” but my Dad and I are able to embrace new experiences, anticipating the amazing father-daughter adventures that God has in store.  And I have been able to fully enjoy new experiences like my trip to All Access in Nashville and my first beauty pageant.  Although there was a time when I wondered why God would give me all of these new experiences now, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that has a dream for my life.  Today, part of this dream came true.

While receiving this earthly crown has filled me with indescribable delight, there is another crown that I know will fill me with joy like I have never known before.  It does not bring with it a trophy or a sash, but instead, this crown is accompanied by eternal life.  2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”  In life, we will experience difficulties that are beyond our control.  We will see and hear things that are beyond the reach of our understanding.  In these moments, we need to remember that God has everything under control.  God wants us to put our faith and trust in Him.  He will lead us to new experiences that are beyond our wildest dreams.  And with each new experience, we will simultaneously find joy on earth, and we will be one step closer to finishing this earthly race and obtaining our Heavenly crown.

In Christ's Love,

Jennifer