Summer Joys

Think back to the most memorable summers in your lifetime.  What is the one experience that truly stands out?  Perhaps it was one of those rare moments when you had the luxury of sitting on your grandmother’s porch swing, sipping ice cold lemonade and indulging in her famous double chocolate chip cookies.  Or maybe it was when you had the chance to go fishing with your dad, enjoying his undivided attention.  Your most memorable summer may even be the very first time you were blessed with the opportunity to take your own children to Walt Disney World.  Whatever your summer memories, I am sure there are times when summer was the best season of the year.  And there are likely times when summer was the most difficult season to muddle through.  This summer, focus on the dreams that God has for your life.  Surround yourself with summer joys.

When I was a little girl, I fondly recall the times when I would have the privilege of riding with my Papa Joe and Grandma Ethel in their blue and white pick-up truck.  On the way to town, Papa Joe and I would sing the song, “In the Good ‘Ole Summertime,” at the top of our lungs.  There was nothing like sitting in the cab of that pick-up, feeling the breeze on my face with the window rolled down, and feeling the warmth of the sunlight as we drove down the little country road.  Since then, the truck has been sold and Papa Joe and Grandma Ethel have gone on to be with the Lord.  Still, the memories will be with me forever and I am thankful for these summer memories.

Other summer joys I clearly recall are the times my mom, dad, and I were able to spend with my Grandma Lucille and Papa Sig at their condominium in Fort Myers.  Whether combing the beach for seashells, building a giant sandcastle, or swimming in the Gulf waters, we always had such wonderful family time together.  I first learned to swim in the condo’s pool.  And I will always remember the last day of each visit, when we would have to each eat an ice cream bar, a glass of orange juice, a handful of fruit, and countless other things, due to the fact that we had all stocked up way too many groceries for our stay there.  Since then, the condo has been purchased by someone else and Papa Sig has gone on to be with the Lord.  Many things change from year to year, but I am happy that I can hang on to these memorable moments.

All of my life, my parents and I have always enjoyed a summer vacation (or more than one!).  We have so many memories, as well as thousands of photographs documenting each and every moment.  Whether we were visiting relatives in Virginia, exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, or sailing the Caribbean waters on a cruise, we always enjoyed spending time with each other.  Even now, my dad and I enjoy traveling during the summer.  We find summer joys on land and on the sea, and even in the air.  Still, summers are not quite the same without my mom here with us.  Yet, I am thankful for the summer joys that God continues to give us, as well as the fond memories we have of summers past.

Although I am grateful for the summer blessings that God has bestowed upon me, I cannot help but think about the absence of my mom.  In particular, the month of August is especially difficult for me.  And our camper in North Carolina is not what it used to be.  You see, my mom passed away unexpectedly in our camper, while we were on vacation on August 2, 2008.  I have prayed and searched the pages of God’s Word for peace concerning this date and location, yet there are still moments when I do not have complete focus on August 2.  And there are times when I cannot bring myself to sit on the sofa in our camper.  Even so, I know that God has given me victory over these things.  He wants me to enjoy life, no matter what day it is and no matter where I am.  He loves me unconditionally.  He wants me to live a life full of joy.

What about you?  Are there summers that you look back on with pleasure or disappointment?  Or are there summers when something caused you to lose sight of the good things and solely focus on the bad?  Maybe there is a particular location or a certain date that you find difficult, even though it previously brought you joy.  John 16:24 (NIV) says, “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”  Don’t let the sorrowful summers get you down.  Ask Jesus to help you overcome these difficult memories and enjoy making new ones.  Spend time with your family and friends.  Cherish each and every moment this summer.  Let go of the summer sorrows.  Let Jesus surround you with summer joys.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

The "Big Break"

 Are you waiting for that “big break?”  Do you spend every waking moment dreaming about that moment when you win the lottery, land a role in the next box office hit, or finally get the job you have been waiting for all of your life?  In your zest to radically change your life, do you often overlook the daily joys because of your focus on the single moment that you hope changes everything?  While it is easy to center your life on one lofty goal, make sure you take time to enjoy the small victories in life.  As one wise person once said, “Take time to smell the roses.”  Otherwise, you may easily miss out on what is happening right now, simply because you are waiting for something to happen.

Personally, I often find myself thinking of the future, as opposed to delighting in the present.  There are times when my Dad and I will be anticipating an exotic voyage on a cruise, or other adventurous vacation, and it seems all of my thoughts revolve around that one trip.  At times, I can scarcely concentrate on my daily tasks, due to thoughts regarding our adventure…  What clothes should I pack?  How many SD cards should I format for my camera?  I need to make sure I take my curling iron.  Oh, and I certainly cannot forget to take my iPod!  And most importantly, I need to pack my Bible.  The list goes on and on.  I know there are times I spend a much greater number of minutes planning what to pack than I spend actually packing.  But, it is the anticipation of the joyful journey that lures me in, and causes me to center my thoughts on all of the tiniest details, often to the exclusion of what is going on in the immediate present.

Other times, I find myself dreaming of the moment that I am blessed to have my first book published, a dream I have had since I was a little girl.  I write and write, anticipating this very day.  The desire to write becomes so great at times that nothing but writing will provide contentment.  The words come flowing forth, and I find such relaxation when I am writing them all down, sure to not miss even one.  Does this mean I don’t like to do anything but write?  Certainly not!  But, there are times when I want to focus all of my thoughts and energy on this one passion.  At the same time, there are moments when I put all of my resources into singing or speaking to women about my journey to finding joy around the bend.  Even so, I realize that I have so many opportunities to minister to others, whether I am writing, singing, speaking, or simply performing my normal daily routine as a middle school teacher.

We may want to be the next big superstar or we may wish we were a millionaire.  Inevitably, though, the most important thing is whether or not we are in the will of God.  In His timing, He will move us to the next phase of our life.  We are called to give 100% of ourselves to the Lord’s work, knowing that everything we do as unto the Lord is valuable.  I Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) says, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  God calls us to stand firm.  In other words, we should not waver.  We should put our complete trust in the Lord that He will give us the ability to complete every task with the knowledge that we are on a journey to a destination much bigger than Hollywood or Broadway.  We are working toward a Heavenly goal.  And what is the best part?  This “big break” is given freely to all who will believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God.

So, if you’re constantly thinking of what step you should take to strike it big, remember this: the most important step you will ever take is to ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life.  Once you begin this personal relationship with Him, you will be able to immediately say that you are a servant of the Lord of Lords, a child of the King of Kings, and a friend of the Savior of the World.  Worldly successes may be enjoyable, but only for a season.  The successes you find in Jesus Christ, however, last forever.  So, the next time you think about your next “big break,” think about the ultimate “big break.”  If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will experience a life beyond any you could ever imagine on this earth below.  One day, you’ll have that mansion you’ve always dreamed of, and you’ll be walking on streets of gold surrounded by gates of pearl.  Everyone will know your name, and you’ll know their names as well.  Best of all, Jesus Christ will be walking right beside you, just as He’s done all of your life.  Why wait?  Take the first step today.  Your “big break” has arrived…

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Life's Disappointments

Have you ever been disappointed?  Did someone disappoint you?  Or are you simply disappointed with life itself?  Maybe you hoped you would receive a promotion at work, but a co-worker received it instead.  You may have experienced defeat in the loss of a competition.  Or perhaps a highly anticipated lunch date with a friend was cancelled at the last minute.  And it’s quite possible that you have experienced love and loss through the death of a relative or friend.  Inevitably, life does come with its share of disappointments. But, even when we are disappointed, there is a rock we can go to.  Jesus Christ is the one who will never disappoint.  He is the mainstay in a sea of disheartening days and upsetting nights.  He knows your disappointments before you even experience them, and He is waiting to hold you in His arms, bringing comfort in these dissatisfying moments.  Jesus will turn your disappointments into dreams.

In my own life, I have experienced many disappointments, some small and some very large.  Most recently, I was invited to attend Ann Downing’s Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat this weekend.  Everything has been graciously covered by a dear friend, with the exception of the airfare from Florida to Tennessee.  I’ve prayed all along that God’s will would be done, yet no airline ticket has appeared on my doorstep.  Such a wonderful time of fellowship, a renewal of joy, an uplifting experience...  I cannot help but wonder why it would be God’s will for me to miss such an awesome opportunity.  The thing is, God sees the outcome, whether I go or stay.  He knows that a trip to Tennessee could result in my being involved in a car accident.  He knows that it may be best for me to attend the Retreat next year instead.  In reality, I could question God until I lost my voice, but His answer would be the same every time.  He would say, You are my child, and I will protect you from harm.  I have a plan for your life, and I truly know what is best for you.

Other times, I have endured much bigger disappointments.  As an only child, my Mom, Dad, and I were always very close.  We were like the Three Musketeers.  I always thought we would be together forever.  Even though I had lost two baby brothers, three grandparents, and other friends and family members, I hoped and prayed that the three of us would always be together.  And then, God revealed a different plan.  He took my Mom home to Heaven.  She was my Mom, my friend, my confidante…how could he take her away from me?  Talk about a major disappointment.  Even now, I don’t quite understand God’s purpose in this aspect of my life.  I never expected to have such a huge disappoint in my life.  Still, I know that He will work all things out for my good.  Even amid the disappointments, God brings comfort and peace to me troubled soul.  He tells me it will be alright.  And He helps me see the promising future that lies ahead.  I may not understand at this very moment, but God has my life under control.

While I know God has a plan for my life, I often question God’s will.  I know I shouldn’t question God.  But, in my humanness, I sometimes wonder, why.  But, you know, life isn’t like a mail-order catalog or online shopping cart.  You cannot just “order up” the things you want in life.  I may want a million dollars, but I cannot order it up.  I cannot order up material things any more than I can magically have my Mom back with me.  For a reason unknown to me at this moment, God wanted her to leave this temporary home.  I may never know why, but I do know that God is a sovereign God.  He knows what is best for me at every moment of the day, every day of the week.  God has everything planned out, from the exact time that we take our first step to the moment we fall in love and the day we start our first job to the week that we leave this earthly home.

So, the next time you experience disappointments in life, look to Jesus.  He has a dream for you life.  He wants you to experience joy and peace and a passion for life.  He wants you to be resilient, pushing through life’s disappointments and living out His dream.  God will always keep you in His care, comforting you when you need it most.  I know for a fact that He has shown me His unconditional love, as I try to overcome the disappointment of losing my Mom.  And He gives me joy and peace, regardless of how significant or seemingly insignificant the disappointment may be.  He cares about every single aspect of our lives.  He will give you hope when everything seems hopeless.  No matter what things happen to disappoint you, God is in control.  No matter what, GOD is in control.

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