by | Faith Lived Out, Life Application
Meet my friend Jennifer. She doesn’t know a stranger. I met her almost three years ago after I signed up to be on the prayer team at church. I haven’t been able to get rid of her since, and trust me I’ve tried. I count it as a blessing, by the way, that I haven’t been able to get rid of her.
I have never known anyone quite like Jennifer. Jesus’ grace, mercy and understanding shine through her. She is a 1 Corinthians woman to the core.
She has seen me at my best, and has definitely seen me at my worst. At my worst, she didn’t leave. She stayed by my side, held my hand, and offered me help, with a side of truth and grace. I hated and loved her for it at the same time. She too held my hand, as my friend Jammie did, the day she drove me to the Table Rock Freedom Center.
As I have been going through some struggles lately, she remains a prayer warrior for me. Hiding things from her is virtually impossible, as the moment I make eye contact she is well aware that I am struggling with something. She’s a “no bullcrap” kinda gal. Gotta love friends like that. Trying to stay mad at her is pretty impossible too.
God has used Jennifer in mighty ways to change my heart. She has shown me how to be a woman. She has taught me how to be comfortable with myself. She has taught me how to be confident in who God created me to be. The list could go on and on.
There is action in her love. She doesn’t just talk the talk. She walks the walk. Her smile comforts me and her hugs energize me. I love Jesus in her.
Tell me about the Jennifer in your life.
by | Life Application
For fourteen years I have called Jammie my friend. We have been through so much over that time frame that it’s only God that has kept us in this friendship. I thank Him everyday for her.
I met her in highschool and we’ve been stuck together like glue since then. We have fought. We have cried. We have laughed. We have prayed. Jammie’s love is backed up by action.
I was having an emotional morning recently and the tears were flowing. For anyone that knows me well, I don’t just shed a few tears. I have crocodile tears and my eyes swell up like Rocky Balboa after a boxing match. I can’t ever hide the fact that I’ve been crying. As I cried on the phone, she just let me get the tears out, then I felt better. I felt her love, but she didn’t stop there.
Then…
She showed up at the door with one of these:
A sugar-free hazelnut decaf from Starbucks and a hug. It was just what the doctor ordered.
Jammie was by my side the day I learned of my dad’s death. She was holding my hand when I sat with the funeral director and made plans. The day my grandpa died, she was next to me as all I could do was lie in silence and stare at the ceiling. She stared with me. The day I went to the Table Rock Freedom Center she held my hand again. I stood next to her as she married the love of her life. It was an honor.
I know her love because of her actions. I only hope I can be half the friend that she’s been to me. 1 Corinthians 13 looks beautiful on her.
Do you have a Jammie in your life?
by | Faith Lived Out, Life Application
February is the month of love. Of course, we all know that. I want to devote this week of blogs to some wonderful friends in my life who truly show me what love means. They back their words up with action. That’s what I love about LOVE – seeing the action behind it.
Tuesday-Thursday I’ll have posts about some amazing peeps in my life. Some great friends who live 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 out loud.
Stay tuned…
What does love mean to you?
by | Faith Lived Out, Life Application
There are several songs I listen to almost everyday. Some days or more of a struggle than others, and that’s when the music stays cranked up on repeat. I would love to share them with you.
Safe (Phil Wickham) – Reminds me when everything is falling apart, I will be safe in His arms.
Worth It All (Rita Springer) – Even though I don’t always understand, I know God’s got it under control.
Remedy (John Tibbs) – Reminds me to stop and feel His love.
Jesus Over Me (Kathleen Carnali) – The title says it all.
Washed By The Water (NeedToBreathe) – The beat of this song just moves me. I never get tired of it.
My Savior My God (Aaron Shust) – My FAVORITE! God reassures me of his promise through this song.
I Need You Jesus (Eddie James) – Jesus my source. No one else will do.
Give Me Jesus (Jeremy Camp) – You can have all this world. Just give me Jesus.
Father Will You Come (Unhindered) – Redemption calls and I want to be consumed with His majesty.
Those are just a few soul-stirring songs I love to hear throughout the day.
What songs do you love that I need to add?
by | Life Application
Amber Thomas graduated high school in the small town of Belle, my hometown, in 2010. Life should have been just getting started for her. For an eighteen year old fresh out of high school, college should have been in her thoughts. But, God had a different plan.
Amber has recently been diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). According to the American Cancer Society, there were about 5,300 new cases of ALL reported in 2010. The term “acute” means the cancer grows quickly. Cancer is an ugly word.
Amber has finished her first round of treatments, including chemotheraphy, steroids, radiation, bone marrow or stem cell transplants, and growth factors. However, due to other medical issues, she isn’t staying away from the hospital long.
I am asking you to join me in prayer for Amber and her family as they go through this difficult time. We all know God is the ultimate healer. I will be praying for healing, strength, understanding, and for God to provide finances for Amber and her family as they walk through these difficult times. Thank you for joining me.
Do you have a special prayer request for you or someone you know?
by | Life Application
“For those who still think social media is just a bunch of noise, then social media for those folks will likely remain just a bunch of noise.” These are the words of Tami Heim and Toni Birdsong of Sticky Jesus.
They asked a question that caught my attention:
Are you a good listener online?
Sticky Jesus gives 13 ways to be a good listener online.
- Pray daily before logging on.
- Empty your heart of any expectation.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to lead
Visit Sticky Jesus for the rest of this great post here…
Meet my friend Jennifer. She doesn’t know a stranger. I met her almost three years ago after I signed up to be on the prayer team at church. I haven’t been able to get rid of her since, and trust me I’ve tried. I count it as a blessing, by the way, that I haven’t been able to get rid of her.
