From Faith to Footsteps

There is unbelievable negativity in the world right now, and to play on some common sayings, I'm not here for it, and it's cancelled, and I'm having a #DoomAndGloomIsOverParty.

Not going to lie, there are plenty of reasons we could throw a pity party right now. I could throw myself a pity party, but I am determined not to. I have hope in something greater than this world, and I'm going to celebrate it. That's my kind of party.

It's been pretty good in the quarantine life for the Jones family. Not too much has changed except that my summer break and time living at home extended by two months suddenly, and Mom got an extra month or so of her time at home, too. We don't go out that much, and our house isn't that close to the highway or center of town, so except for the chaos in the news, grocery shopping for my grandparents, and making a few last-minute grocery trips because we heard meat was back in stock, it's been a relatively normal summer despite it all.

Until Saturday. I can't tell you the last time we had a smooth summer. One of my high school years I guess. Post-senior year, we never got along, and I couldn't wait to get away and to college. After that first year--yeah we won't talk about that right now; that summer was nonexistent...God only knows...and He was the only reason we made it through, too. After sophomore year, Mom had elbow surgery. After junior year, I had just torn two hip muscles, healed, but a month later screwed everything down my right side up. This summer, we've got the coronas and the protests--AND now Dad likely tore his hamstring. Bless this mess...but God already has.

This was a couple hours before that happened. It was a great day. We'd only had the boat out a couple weekends so far, and I am so thankful that I took a boat ride this afternoon. We had Chloe in there with us, sweetest girl, and we even got her in the lake. Yes, she is a lab, and yes, she is afraid to swim. We're trying to teach her that she can do it, and she will be okay.

Mom and Dad went to ski while I was studying for the GRE, but it was a long time, and they never came back. Then my phone rang...

Suddenly, everything was uncertain. We had gotten things calmed down and inside for the night, no ER visit, but we really didn't know what we were going to do. He could hardly move.

When a serious medical issue like this comes up, you know there's the issues of work, doctors, treatments, all the money, time management, how long it will take to come back, wondering if things will ever be the same, all the things we will miss in the meantime, the changes to our daily lives, and so much more. That's reason for a slight mental breakdown if you ask me. Not going to lie, I did break down for a few minutes. And that's okay.

It's one of those times you just don't know what to do or say or even pray, but that can be good, because we don't know best. God does. I don't know why this had to happen, but I know that God is in control, and He is good. We are safe. We are provided for if we do not give up hope and do not give up effort.

Monday morning Mom woke me up after Dad had called and gotten into the doctor, but she had to go do Mamaw and Papaw's shopping, so I was designated driver. I had an hour or so, so I hopped up, took a bike ride to refresh, then got Dad to the doc. From there, I made the most of my time (one of my main goals because God puts so many things on my heart, and I run out of time every day--"Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16) and took my daily walk and pray to enjoy some fresh air and time with God without distractions. Not like I could go into the doctor's office during "these unprecedented times," for lack of better terms. He came out with news it was most likely torn, we just didn't know how bad, so next was an appointment that afternoon in Knoxville. Mom got home not too long after us, and they had time to eat lunch before leaving again.

Chloe and I enjoyed the sunshine and peace out on the deck with some dark chocolate Kodiak Cakes with berries and strawberry cream cheese. We all need more pups and pancakes in our lives. It's the little things. Health (mental and physical) is wealth. Words to live by.

That afternoon, they actually got to the appointment and back before I left to DoorDash. It was overcast so not too hot for being in the car. I also got in a great Bible study relating to one of Pastor Dean's recent sermons, some things we needed at Walmart, and three good-paying deliveries! But during this time, I drove up on where there had just been a bad wreck. The flow of traffic was stopped in both directions for a helicopter to airlift someone to the hospital. A wreck is never good, but you know that's a bad sign.

That got me really down. So much pain in the world...things are just so...I don't even know a word for it. I was feeling pretty discouraged in the world after all of this.

Discouraged in the world.

That's the problem.

The world has sin and pain, but the world is where we have turned all our focus.

After passing this scene and feeling so much more sadness, "I Know" by Big Daddy Weave came on KLove. (link to the full lyrics on the title above or scroll to the end to see some!) That gave some words from my heart that I didn't have the power to come up with on my own.

Later that evening, another one that has been uplifting through the recent events in the world and to me personally came on, "One Day" by Cochren & Co. (lyrics here and below)

At Dash #1 I got a simple little smile from the little boy and his dad next to me ordering. This kid couldn't have been more than six years old. He ordered cheese bread and two cookies. His dad said, "Just two? I thought you wanted three cookies." The boy grinned and shied away, then the young guy behind the counter smiled and said, "How about four cookies?" and gave him two for free. The little boy's face (and his dad's) lit up. So did mine.

There are good people and good things in the world.

God knew I needed that.

Further encouragement for me and you both to do good, because it can effect those around us that we don't even think are involved!

Also sounds silly, but another simple yet big thing gave me some peace that I felt like God sent at just the right time. I have been really worried about the dining situation when we get back to school because of all the health concerns, and you can only imagine if restaurants are limited, what will a college campus full of students look like!? So the dining services sent out a very informative and relieving email about some new options as well as the usual ones! We are getting a Freshens! AND I had suggested that in a couple surveys throughout the past year! There's also going to be another venue with a rotating homestyle menu as well as more weekend options for people with meal plans.

I also got to chat on instagram with a friend that I haven't talked to since maybe high school, but we were cross country and track teammates at West. He shared how encouraging my posts are and that he enjoyed getting to see my positivity and faith. Man, did I need these things. Not that we need to have people tell us we're doing a good job, but sometimes that's how God gives us a little nudge to not give up. This doesn't happen often, but it does at the right times.

So while this Monday was a downer at times, I was much more reminded of God's goodness when He shined through those dark times.

Fast forward to Wednesday.

Dad's MRI was this evening. The next step to getting on the road to recovery, less pain. I mean, he's been in a lot of pain. Can't go to work because he can't drive, can't sit in a car, can't sit in a desk, can hardly walk. It's already been four days with no progress.

Phone rings.

Insurance hasn't approved; the earliest we might can get you in now is sometime next week.

That's even if insurance approves.

More uncertainty, waiting, worries of pain, healing, money, etc.

My heart aches for Mom and Dad both.

There's not much I can do but pray and try to be positive for them and help with what I can. I texted two of the girls that I've been praying with a lot lately so they could help me pray, because I know that prayer is so powerful, and often, others have a greater impact than we can ourselves because we are inherently so selfish in our hearts. It's human nature, but God knows and intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27).

Would you believe that less than an hour later, insurance called us and approved the MRI, so we called back to KOC, and they could get him in the next day!

Power of prayer, persistence, and trust.

That evening I was out working, and it clouded up and even rained some, but there was a beautiful break in the clouds where the sun shined through, and God filled me with a peace that said He was making a way.

And how am I sure I was supposed to share this? It was really on my heart this evening, then I came across that tweet from Air1. "Do it," God said. People need to hear good news and encouragement not to give up.

Some of my favorite/relevant lyrics from the previously mentioned songs:
I Know
You don't answer all my questions, but You hear me when I speak
You don't keep my heart from breaking, but when it does You weep with me
You're so close that I can fell You when I've lost the words to pray
Though my eyes have never seen You, I've seen enough to say
I know that You are good
I know that You are kind
I know that You are so much more than what I leave behind
I know that I am loved
I know that I am safe
Cause even in the fire, to live is Christ, to die is gain
I don't understand the sorrow, but You're calm within the storm
Sometimes this weight is overwhelming, but I don't carry it alone
...On my darkest days, in my deepest pain, thorough it all my heart will choose to sing Your praise

One Day
One day there'll be no more waiting left for our souls
...One day there'll be no more lives taken too soon
One day there'll be no more need for hospital rooms
One day every tear that falls will be wiped by His hand
We will see the promised land
Hallelujah, there will be healing
From this heartbreak we've been feeling
We'll sing it through the darkest night
Cause we know that the light will come
There will be healing, hallelujah
One day there'll be no more anger left in our eyes
One day the color of our skin won't cause a divide
One day we'll be a family standing hand in hand
We will see the promised land
...One day when our tired and weary bones find their rest
One day when the power of evil is brought to an end
We will see the promised land

Friday, February 21, 2020

"Faith" --Songs and Scriptures

It's been a busy year, and this semester, "busy" doesn't begin to cover it, but I have made it a point to do something to spend time with God every day. Going through a relatively minor but still very painful and limiting injury (now make that two) has added to the stress but also added to the strength of my faith. That's usually the plan. Over the past few days I have been looking at a relatively new song by Jordan Feliz called "Faith," and it came to me as encouragement to not lose hope, keep on going, take care of myself, prepare for good things ahead. I may be down, but I am not out. God has brought me through a lot of unlikely circumstances before, He can and will do it again. My job is to believe in Him and do the little things that can help.

There is no ocean that can't be parted

There is no mountain that can't be moved

I know there's help for the heavy-hearted

The weak will find their strength renewed

You just gotta have faith

It's light for the shadows

For all your tomorrows

It's knowing He's there through the sun and the rain

It's when you believe it

Before you can see it

And you can walk on, ‘cause He's making a way

Just gotta have some faith, faith

Searching for purpose in all the waiting

Praying through so many silent hours

Finding a breath when you feel like fading

Learning to love where you are right now (where He's got you now)

You just gotta have faith

Remember your Rescue is standing beside you

I have to remember that there is nothing I can't get through; God will always make a way. When my heart is weighed down by all the negativity and problems of the world and anxieties of my life, He lifts me up. When I feel weak and have nothing left to give, He gives me strength and energy. He is the light that shines in the dark situations, the one who holds my future so I don't have to fear. He has given me good times as well as comfort in my bad times. I have to believe in His power and His plan before it comes. That's part of the journey. I can always find reasons to keep going. When I feel stuck, waiting for something better, I can pause in patience knowing there is a purpose. Prayers may seem unanswered, but it is just not time yet or not what I expected. Know He is hearing, and He is acting. Take time to breathe and take care of myself when I feel like things are crumbling. Find joy in the journey whether it is rough or smooth--it is all great in God's plan. Remember that God is right here with me through it all and is working everything out for my good. Walk by faith.

Verses

FAITH & BELIEF

"The righteous shall live by faith." Romans 1:17

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

"But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt..." James 1:6

"Whoever believes in Him is not condemned..." John 3:18

"Jesus said, 'Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?'" John 11:40

"For it is with your heart that you believe and with your mouth that you confess your faith and are saved." Romans 10:10

"Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see...Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:1, 6

"Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God." 1 Peter 1:20

"These trials have come so that the genuineness of your faith, of greater worth than gold, may result in praise, honor, and glory when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him you love Him and believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." 1 Peter 1:7-8
"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4
"So that your faith might not rest on human wisdom but on God's power." 1 Corinthians 2:5
"Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Ephesians 6:16
"You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:3
"Faith comes from hearing the message, through the word about Christ." Romans 10:17
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
"Surely the righteous will never be shaken...they will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:6-7

NOTHING GOD CANNOT DO
"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27
"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.'" Matthew 19:26

LIGHT
"The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." Matthew 4:16
"The light shines in the darkness..." John 1:5
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12
"You are a chosen people...belonging to God that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9
"This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5

HE IS WITH US
"He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go...I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing...He guides me along the right paths, for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and staff comfort me...Surely Your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life..." Psalm 23
"The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand." Psalm 121:5
"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" Psalm 118:6
"Do you not know that you are God's temple, and that God's Spirit lives in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16
"For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end." Psalm 48:14
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
"He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 (and 147:3)

HE IS OUR RESCUE
"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom." 2 Timothy 4:18
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." Nahum 1:7
"In You, Lord, I have taken refuge...In Your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me...Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go...You have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth." Psalm 71:1-5
"The righteous may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers Him from them all." Psalm 34:19
"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." Psalm 18:16-19

CARRY ON
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
"...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
"Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:24
"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." 2 Corinthians 4:1
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12
"Consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

PRAYING
"The spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us...the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God." Romans 8:26-27
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14
"Jesus told the disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
"Rejoice always, pray continually." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
"Is anyone in trouble? Let them pray." James 5:13
"the is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength..." Isaiah 30:15
"Pray with the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." Ephesians 6:18
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41
"Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy. In Your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief." Psalm 143:1
"Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to You, because You answer me." Psalm 86:6

HE WILL MAKE A WAY
"This is what the Lord says--He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters...forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'" Isaiah 43:16-18
"You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." Psalm 16:11
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" John 14:6
"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are My ways your ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" Isaiah 55:8-9

MORE FOR OUR HOPE
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
"You wearied yourself by such going about, but you would not say, 'It is hopeless.' You found renewal of your strength, so you did not faint." Isaiah 57:10
"The Lord has made everything for its own purpose." Proverbs 16:4
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
"Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16
"All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16

Now you can go listen to the song and sing about how you have something to have faith in, then wait and see how God responds!

Monday, December 30, 2019

Are We Like the Innkeeper?

Are we missing what God may have for us in His plan because we are too busy?

I watched a new Christmas Bible Study series on the Casting Crowns' YouTube channel titled "How Are You Making Room for Jesus This Christmas?" based on their new song with Matt Maher, "Make Room."

They were all short videos, but there was a great message behind each one. I could personally make a lot of connections to my own life, so I thought that I should share a few and the resources, so maybe you can see some applications to your life and family, too.

The first video was a simple yet strong challenge to simply change the focus of your home or atmosphere. It seems obvious, but thinking about it, it's huge. When I change the music I am listening to, Instagram and Twitter accounts I look to each day, the notes I leave myself on my phone and in my room or textbooks, the thoughts I have, the way I look at the world, etc...wow it is a huge difference! Life seems better and calmer even when things are not that smooth and pretty chaotic.

Another point that I really liked to hear Mark Hall make in this intro video was that sure, we can still have all the fun holiday things, gifts, Santa, parties, songs, and whatever else, but we have to have Jesus first. That's what makes the difference.

The second video looked at the innkeeper. At first, while I was listening to him tell about Mary and Joseph's journey and the job of an innkeeper during this time with the census, I was wondering where he was going with that. But then it hit me. While people may look upon the innkeeper negatively because he turned Mary and Joseph away, he wasn't doing anything wrong; he wasn't a bad guy. He was just doing his job during the busiest working time of his life. So many people were traveling during this time, his guest rooms would have been in high demand. Mary and Joseph were just a couple more travelers, and there was no room. He was busy. And he missed out on being a part of one of the greatest plans God ever had.

Does this sound like your life sometimes? I can tell you that it is definitely my life many times! I am busy. Always busy. Mom gets frustrated with me because even in what could be some wonderful, relaxing times for me, I am busy with something. I never run out of things I could be doing. However, there are times, especially during the school year, that I am so busy I feel like I never sit down, and my brain is going on overdrive all day long, and I swallow my food whole like I haven't eaten in four days. Do I have time to open up my Bible? Time to take a deep breath and pray? I feel like I don't, but I do. I can make room. My inn may feel full, I can be doing lots of great things, but I can be busy and miss what God has in His plan for my life. Busy-ness isn't a sin in itself, but it can be a distraction for God's greater purposes right here in front of us. God can knock on a door, but He can't make us bring the opportunity inside.

In the third video, Mark talked about Jesus's life later on. People wanted rid of Him. He challenged the way the world worked, went against the status quo, He got in the way of how people wanted to live their lives and do religion. Why don't we always make room for Jesus? Because it gets in the way of how we want to do things in life. It's a challenge to our routines.

The final video made me smile as he told of his family's tradition of reading the Christmas story from Luke 2, because that's what my family always does as well. The Hall family has a nativity scene that sounded similar to what we also had on display, but they added a unique twist to both sharing the story and using the nativity. The parents would take the pieces and hide them throughout the house before the kids were up, then they would have a sort of Easter egg hunt with the pieces. Each person would have the piece(s) he or she found, and as they read the story from the Bible, each person would talk about it from the character's or animal's point of view. Imagine being a part of THE Christmas story! We may not be able to be a part of the birth of Christ, but we can be a part of many other miracles and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that God has in His story ever day.

So I am using this series as a challenge to myself when I get in the Christmas spirit in the future, as well as every day, to pause in what I am doing to breathe, pray, take my mind off of myself for a minute, and see what God may be trying to get me to see. I may feel like I can't slow my progress or I'll fall apart or behind, but God will take care of that. We have to look to Him first, then we will see.

Fiverr

Care.com

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

"Do it Again" --Songs and Scriptures Series

Fiverr

Care.com