I Wore Leggings Today

When you opened this post, you most likely expected me to tell you wearing leggings was wrong. Actually, I want to do the opposite. 

Today I wore leggings. Recently in christian circles this has been a hot topic. First, I want to point out that modesty is extremely important, and as a christian woman, it is your job to respect your brothers in Christ by dressing in a way that glorifies God. Also, as God commands us to be set apart from the world, we must understand the way we dress must go against social norms. Because it is popular, does not mean it is ok to wear.  I strongly recommend you read the five myths about modesty, that explains why this is so important, well. I also want to humbly confess, I have dressed immodestly many times before, I have not always made the best decisions in this area in my life, and feel certain there are still ways I could improve in this area. 

That said, I did wear leggings today and I did not feel convicted about it. Absolutely, leggings can be worn in a way that is inappropriate, but I truly believe that they can be worn in a tasteful manor (Your butt covered - a must!!!). I felt more modest in my leggings than I did in my nike shorts that I wore to the gym. The same shorts that I have worn in my church before, and felt completely comfortable in. 

Whether I wear leggings or not, is not the point. (I honestly can't tell you whether wearing them is right or wrong - that is opinion based) What you think about me because I wear or do not wear them, is. 

Lately my facebook newsfeed and twitter feed have been blowing up with comments such as "leggings are not pants" (that is the nicest of the comments). There have been pictures, that in a very degrading way insult every girl that has worn them or wears them. Many times I have read a facebook status or tweet and my stomach dropped as I thought of the girls who I knew would read it, and wear leggings. Girls whom have a relationship with the Lord that I respect and strive to have. Also, as a young woman who is trying to disciple younger girls and hold conversations on the importance of modesty in a way to respect men - I am hurt by the way those same girls are being disrespected as the way they dress is being publicly criticized on social media by the men they are striving to respect. 

We can't not talk about that fact scripture says to hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable. Matthcew 18:17 says, 

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."

Scripture never says to publicly call out someones wrong doings. If you feel like a girl is wronging her brothers by the way she dresses, go talk to her about it. Don't call her out on social media so the next time she is in your presence she feels judged. 

Also, have you thought how the unbeliever who read your judgmental comments may feel? If I was not a believer and read how it was wrong to wear leggings, I probably would never want to attend your church and I certainly would feel judged by you.  Romans 14:1 says, "accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters." WAKE UP: whether leggings are wrong are not is disputable, so chill out and start focusing on something that matters. 

This is exactly what Jesus warns the pharisee's against in Scripture. He commanded them not to be so focused on laws, but rather just to tell people about Him. He would do the heart transformation and convicting - that isn't and never has been our job. 

You may think you know all the right ways to date as a christian, but when you place billions of rules on it, you are turning away people from desiring a Christ-like relationship. You are also making those who are not following your legalistic rules, feel judged. 

You may have decided you only want to listen to religious music. That is absolutely wonderful, but don't tell me I am wrong for not feeling the same conviction. (Disclaimer: what you listen to and don't listen to is important, but there is tasteful music that is not religious.)

You may have decided to not wear makeup, because God made you how he wanted you to look. Well that is great, but don't make me feel guilty for not feeling that way. (If a house needs painting... paint it.) 

The biggest cause of atheism is Christianity - this is statistically proven. Don't take part in this statistic. Veer away from legalism. Simply tell people the name of Jesus, and let Him do the rest. 

A Tear Provoking Sonic Trip

Saturday morning I was preparing for my last A Perfect Injustice jewelry show before the big move, when a crazy craving came over me. I wanted a sonic sweet tea so incredibly bad!

Many of you know this about me: sonic has always been my pick-me-up. Not that I only go when I am in need of a pick-me-up, but every time I do go, it does bring me a lot of joy. I wrote, "someone please bring me a sonic sweet-tea," on facebook a ridiculous amount of times during those stressful evenings at work, during high school. (and Susan Brown so often came to my rescue!)

So, I got ready as fast as I could and off I went.... to sonic. Half way there I remembered that I didn't even like sweet tea anymore. Especially Sonic's. Somehow my taste-buds changed, and drinking it now seems like drinking a cup of syrup.

Then I got there and stared at the menu confused, because all I really wanted was a cup of water. I did however order a diet-coke (really exciting, right?) but did not even drink half of it.

So why in the world was I dying to have sonic? Later that day I had a epiphany: it wasn't sonic I was missing, it was all the memories that are somehow connected to that place.

I was missing that first time all of us Ecity folks miss - the first day we successfully pulled into a sonic parking spot after getting our learners permits, and the joy and success we felt because of it.

I was missing  the first few months after getting my drivers license when I chose to park on the cool-side of sonic, and it actually made me feel cool. (I recently parked on the uncool side for the first time and it was so liberating, ha).

I was missing the daily 3:35pm fight to find a space - because it was just what you did when school got out.

I was missing all those silly boys showing off their big trucks all night long, every weekend, at sonic.

I was missing that day me and Lauren became best friends at sonic during free root-beer float day, as we circled around and around parking in new spaces each time to see how many free floats we could get (even though neither of us even like root-beer floats). I was missing that ridiculous amount of laughter that occurred that night. (seriously completely convinced this is why we are friends, Lauren.)

I was missing the night lauren and I met at Sonic to say goodbye before she moved to Korea. The same night she couldn't figure out how to fit that big Suburban into a space, so after multiple times (of embarrassment), she got out and let me do it for her.

I was missing the many times Ms. Susan surprised me with a sweet tea at work, and completely made my day.

I was missing that fact we (Kristie, Michelle, and Janna) would drive there all the way from Weeksville at ridiculous hours of the night, because we literally had nothing better to do. (OHHH, how I miss that amount of free time.)

I was missing that ridiculous day while living in Orlando when I was so upset and homesick and completely convinced that Sonic was the only thing that would make me feel better - so I drove around for three hours trying to find one.

I was missing home. I was missing my friends. I was missing my family. I was missing my lack of responsibilities. I was missing being a kid.

Then came Sunday. As I sat in church Sunday morning, I was looking around at the hundreds of people who have impacted my life over the past four year. I simply thought, "wow - I am thankful for this church - and I am really going to miss it," and that was all it took to make the tears start flowing!

All this to say, the "I am about to move to a different continent" emotions have officially began. I am feeling extremely sentimental. Just like my sonic-era of life ended, this phase of life too is coming to an end. People always say, "college is the best years of your life," and I couldn't agree more. This makes it really hard to let it end.

More than feeling sentimental, I am feeling thankful. Not for sonic, but for all of the other sources of pick-me-up's and joy that as filled my life the past four and a half years. I have the most amazing family, friends, community, and church family any girl could ever ask for - and I will miss each of you so much for the next 7 months of my life!

So here goes nothing: 30 more days in Raleigh and 60 more in the U.S.

If you wanna come reminisce at any point during the next two months, I am totally down!

Thankful for you all,

J

Oops. I Forgot To Tell Ya: I Am Leaving the U S of A tomorrow.

A moment ago, I realized I forgot a really important detail. I don't have a suitcase. After two trips to Africa and back and a handful around the states, mine is toast. Maybe this wouldn't really matter - except I leave the country TOMORROW.

Then, I realized I forgot something even more important than the absence of a suitcase. I forgot to tell almost all of my family and friends that I was even going.

.................

Tomorrow morning at 5am, I will be arriving at RDU airport to depart for Toronto, Canada to serve with Trinity Life Church. It will be a similar experience to the one you read about last March (and still can read about).

I am going to leave you with no details of the trip except for I am going - and I need your prayers!!!! Pray that God speak through me (and our team) as we minister to the people of Toronto. Pray that God's love shine straight through us. Pray for traveling mercies. Pray for our unity as a team. Pray for energy - emotionally, physically and spiritually. Also, you might want to pray for my mouth to stay shut or for my team to have patience with me - because I REALLY hate cold, and tend to complain a lot about it. Or better yet - - you could just pray for warm weather (this is a joke) (kind of).

One thing I learned from day one of my last trip to Toronto, is that I desperately needed the Lord to work through me - because works without Him were of no use. Trusting He WILL do big things this next week through my life!

So thankful for the many people in my life who are faithful to pray for me. Know that my life reflects your prayers.

I will blog as much as possible while I am there, from the basement of my hostel! : )

All my love,

J
xoxo

SO EXCITED to rekindle my love for Tim Hortons and maple flavored EVERYTHING. 

100 days.

100 days. That is all. In 100 days I will board a plane to Uganda.

That number seems so small, and tomorrows 99 even smaller. As the numbers decrease my need for dependence on God increases. I am so excited to be living in the Lords will, but that doesn't mean it is easy. 

When I talk about Africa, I talk about all the amazing opportunities I will have and all the awesome ways I will get to serve. I talk about the little boys that have a big part of my heart and the fact I am so excited to show them love. 

I don't talk about how much it terrifies me to be away from those I love here in the States, or the pain I feel when I make a list of all the events I will not get to be present at. 

I talk about the great amount of money God has provided for me through generous people, but I don't talk about the humility it has taken me to ask support, and the great amount of pride in my life that I have become aware of during this process. I talk about how thankful I am for the great response to my ministry, but don't talk about the great amount of doubt I have in my heart that I have to daily fight - in believing God will provide for me, every cent. 

The list goes on. The truth is, though I would like to think my decision to pack up and move to Africa makes me brave, I have never felt so weak. 

I am scared of what happens in 100 days - yet so so excited to let God lead me through this journey. My weakness is just another reminder that this journey is not about me. I can do nothing beneficial for not a single person in Uganda - but God can through me! 

Please be in pray for me the next 100 days. Specifically: 

• 100% of completed support raising and for my confidence in God that He will provide. 
• I am in need of things for ministry such as a laptop. Money is one of the hardest things to trust the Lord with - but I am praying that He will provide. Join me. 
• Spiritual preparation - that I know Him better, to be able to teach about Him better. 
• My wacked out emotions - that I be comforted by the Lord. 

I am so thankful for the amazing amount of support, prayers, and love I have been shown. I am so excited for you to be part of this journey with me. 

Much love, 

J

xoxo

P.S.  Happy Independence Day, Uganda! : ) 

"You will not all be present at your 5th year reunion."

Andrew Sanders
November 20, 1990 - September 29, 2013

Mr. Wayne P. James has always been famous for giving a annual speech to his students. His words have always been, "you will not all be present at your 5th year reunion."

When I heard these words as a freshman in high school, I couldn't grasp the idea, and most definitely did not receive his speech as reality.

This was until January 7th of my senior year when my sweet friend Katie's life was nearly ripped away from her. That night in the ICU waiting room, I collapsed in the arms of my father and asked, "everything is going to be ok, isn't it?" His answer nearly took the breath away from me. He responded, "I don't know." I knew at this point that my dad did not have all the answers - but he pointed me to a Heavenly Father who did.

I really believe that in this moment, I chose to have a personal relationship with God. Maybe in this moment, it was because I knew He was the only one who could save her. Maybe it was from the fear of death. Maybe it was my desire to have security in knowing I would one day go to heaven. Regardless, since that day, God has proven himself to me relentlessly, as I have continued to fail him time and time again.

One of the many ways I fail him is not living intentionally daily. Since January 7th, the knowledge that life is short and we truly do not know when our last breath will be, seems to slip my mind. Many days, I live as if there is much more time to decide to live "right." This was until the summer after my freshman year of college when I got the heart stopping phone call that our dear friend Dajuan had been shot to death.

I was asked to speak at his memorial service representing the class of 2009, and very hesitantly agreed.  I don't think many people heard a word I said that service, because the only sound anyone heard was the heart-wrenching cry of his mother. As I stood in front of a room full of young people listening to this noise, I once again remembered that life was short - and we never knew its end - none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

Since that day, several years later, I once again forget that I am not invincible.

This was until this past Monday morning at 5 a.m. when the world seemed to stop for a moment, with the news that our dear friend Andrew Sanders had very suddenly passed away.

It would be so easy to question why God look him so soon. It would be easy for some of us to question if there was even a God or why He allowed this to happen.

OR it could make us question who we are living our lives for, and if we are living our lives well. It could make us question, what will happen when we die?

Does Andrews death make me wonder "why"? Yes, absolutely. Does it make me question God? No, not for a second. I can't give all the answers and I can't promise you that it will even sound logical to you. But I can promise this: because of my relationship with God, my life has purpose. Because of my relationship with God, I have joy - even when life is hard. Because of my relationship with God, I am guaranteed eternity with Him, and all of those who too love Him. I am so thankful I am promised eternity - but I don't love Him for a ticket to heaven, I love Him for the sacrifice He made for me (and you).

I am heartbroken over Andrews death. I would do anything to hug him one last time, but no amount of tears will bring him back. I pray that Andrews passing bring about great change and good things. I pray this event makes each one of us pause for a moment and think about the relationship we have or don't have with our creator.

We don't really have an option to not believe Mr. James wise words. We now know they in fact are true. We will not all be at our fifth year reunion. We may not even be here tomorrow - so don't wait. Choose a life of purpose today.

All out of love for you and the Gospel,

Jordan
xoxo

"So He Rested from all His Work!"

To be completely transparent, I have felt kind of overwhelmed lately. 

The way I have described my current life situation is that I had a fake transition out of college this past May, and a not so fake transition into the real world. I "should have" graduated in May, but didn't, which is completely OK - except for the fact I somehow convinced myself that I was finished with school. This has made the transition back into classes this semester really difficult. I honestly have had no desire to do any school work or attend any classes, and a few of them are challenging - making it even more undesirable.

All this school stuff has just added onto a unpleasantly long to-do list. I absolutely love all of the many things I do and am involved in (except for school, currently), but learning how to balance it all has got me slightly frazzled. The last few weeks I have had zero energy - and that in itself has been discouraging. 

Monday alone felt like an entire week, and then Tuesday took its toll. 

I wanted sushi crazy bad, and so I went and made a to-go order expecting to go sit at home and eat alone. To my surprise, I was greeted by Brooke (my roommate) when I walked in the door and she sat with me and watched me eat my sushi (which was so unattractive, I might add - I'm not the best at using chopsticks). It was so encouraging and uplifting - and I think needed for both of us. 

One comment lead to another - which led to us watching not one but two movies. We both repeatedly said, "I can't believe we are doing this," knowing that our to-do list were not completing themselves. I can't even remember the last time I watched a movie - and here I was watching two (on a school/work night). We watched "When Harry Met Sally" and "10 Things I Hate About You," both some of my 90's favorites - and laughed the entire time. 

This morning when I woke up [at the crack of dawn] I was so full of joy. The world did not end because I did nothing productive last night, and in fact I feel way more productive today than I have in a long time. 

.................

"On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work (Genesis 2:2)." Have you even sat an thought about this? God doesn't need to rest - He isn't human. He lacks nothing. So, why did He? 

I feel pretty confident in the argument that He rested to show us it was good. He rested, to leave an example for us. If God rested from the work He did, I feel certain I require rest - and probably a lot of it. 

Sometimes we need to just chill. So thankful for a night of encouragement and laughter.  So thankful for rest. 

....................

xoxo, 

J

I Don't Know and I Don't Care...

On August 16th, 2012 I wrote a blog post titled "Sure Wish I knew." (Just click on that title to read it) 

Reading it today, I am in amazement as I now know many things I once wondered about. This past year has been a crazy one, every single day a blessing. Many times I have sat down to write a blog about this past year - but have yet to find adequate words to describe it. I decided I would try to summarize it by following up to the things I told you I wish I knew, a year ago.

"I am not sure if I will graduate on time, to be quite honest. Sure wish I knew today."

No, I didn't graduate on time. Yea, I was a little upset about it, but God has confirmed in so many ways that He wanted me on this campus one more semester, for a reason. I am thankful to still be here. On August 21st, I attended my last, first day of class. I am so excited to be graduating this coming December (if I pass Spanish - be praying for that!) 

"I am not sure what I will be doing in May if I do graduate. Sure wish I knew today." 

Wow. This makes me laugh hysterically. No, I didn't graduate in May, but will soon. I sure couldn't have ever dreamed this the day I wrote this blog - but when I graduate in December I will be moving to Kampala, Uganda to serve with A Perfect Injustice Ministry. Founder of API, Abby Kaketto came to Raleigh this past February, and I was blessed to spend some with her. What began with a casual cup of coffee in Starbucks ended with a very overwhelmed me - and a "job" offer. I spent some time praying on my car ride home - and before even parking my car God had made it extremely clear this was what He wanted for my life. In 136 I will be boarding a plane to Africa! This was in no way the plans I had for my life - but I am so excited to be living out God's plan for my life! 

"I am not sure "what i want to be when I grow up" or really, even what direction to go in my career life. Sure wish I knew today!"

After returning from Uganda next August, I will continue to work for API from the states for at least two years. I don't really know where I will live beginning in August, but I am feeling pretty confident it will be in Raleigh. I feel certain that I want to be in full time ministry, whether that means overseas or in the states, I am not sure. In the past year I have developed a great desire to serve college-age girls, and will be seeking ways to do that for my "career" as well as working with API.

"I am not sure (at all) how in the world I will pay off college. Sure wish I knew today."

Yea, I am even more confused about this one now. It just so happened that I decided on a career that provides very little money. I am so confident though that God will provide. I don't know "how" He will do it - but know that He will do it!  

"I am not sure who I will marry, when I will marry them/meet them, how many children I will have/adopt, where I will live, how many wins Pack football will obtain, how many more parking tickets I will get, how many more college encouraged pounds I will gain, if I will ever pass spanish 201....... Sure wish I knew today!"

I am ridiculous. Did I really write this? Well, I am still not certain who I will marry, when or if I have met them, how many children I will adopt, and so on. I can tell you, I don't wish I knew today. I know God will provide for me in a mighty way - and as excited as I am for Him to do it, I am very ok with waiting on his perfect timing. 

Side note: The Pack didn't win enough games, but did ok. Excited about this season (Saturday was a great start). I also got a ton of parking tickets in the past year, probably more than I could have even expected. I don't think I gained pounds and I have yet to pass spanish - BUT IT WILL HAPPEN THIS SEMESTER!  

".... and here we are. On the first day of senior year. I have NO clue what God holds for me. If the past three years have been so eventful, I am banking on the fourth one being eventful too!... and it makes me SO excited!!!!" 

I couldn't have been more accurate. Wow, this past year certainty was eventful. I wish I could explain that to you in more detail! What I can tell you is that God changed my heart in a really big way. I am incapable of titling this blog "Sure Wish I Knew," and not because I know all the answers to life, but because I don't and am ok with it! Praise God! 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 

I posted these pictures of me on my first day of college and [what I thought was] my last day of college on the "Sure Wish I Knew" post. I looked exactly the same. 

Soon after I decided to start growing my hair out - so a year later, here I am. Can't decide which I like better, and am considering going brunette. Opinions? Tell me what ya think! 

Love always, 

J

Jordan Takes a Tumble....

Sunday morning I attempted to carry a set of cornhole boards down a dark staircase. Notice I said "attempted." I attempted and failed - dropping one of the boards on my foot. I knew right then that I had broken my foot and at the moment felt as if it shattered every bone. Needless to say, I am a drama queen. My foot is not broken, just bruised. Regardless, every step I take the pain in my foot reminds me of the tragic cornhole catastrophe!

One disaster wasn't enough so I decided to fall down the stairs yesterday morning. If you didn't know, I nanny at 5:30am every morning, and it feels particularly early on Mondays. I guess I wasn't completely awake and - BAM. Down I went.

Sometimes when experiencing high levels of pain I feel nauseous and then pass out (What a whimp, right?). It is a pattern in my life that doctors just can't figure out. So while I sat up, head spinning, I quickly thought, "hope this 4 year old knows how to call 911!" Following that thought was that awful nauseous feeling and I laid at the bottom of the staircase prepared to faint.  Praise the good Lord, I didn't - but now have some more bruises to match my foot.

Currently, I want to scream every time I sit in a chair - because my rear hurts so bad. Every time I lift my arm or lay on my side, I again remember my great fall. (But seriously, I wish someone was there to witness this. It must have been hilarious.)

My current physical problems have got me thinking. It is crazy how much we think about our physical bodies. This summer I got a skin disease, and thought about it 24/7. I refused to wear a bathing suite, because to me, I looked so disguising. Every time I get a blemish on my face, I am seeking a new type of skin-care and am self-continuous about it all day long. Two pounds gained might as well be thirty and one increased pants size would be the end of the world. Constantly I (we) are aware of our physical problems, but inwardly, not so much.

Lately God has been showing me a lot of the brokenness and ugliness inside of me. I have realized how full of pride I am. I have seen how selfish I can be. I have become aware of the many many ways I am judgmental of many people if not all the people around me. I have been convicted about the small amount of time I spend talking to God or reading His word. I have noticed that I rarely share the Gospel even though I understand its importance and what it means for the lost souls surrounding me, daily. 

This list of inward problems are microscopic compared to the VERY long list of problems I have. Yes, I have acknowledged these problems - but what am I doing to fix them? I am so concerned with my outwardly problems I do not focus on the inward - which is what really matters, eternally. 

In 1 Peter 3, it says, "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

How convicting. God isn't concerned about what we look outwardly. But He is concerned with what we look like inwardly. 

I desire to be as aware of my inward problems as I am with my currently outwardly problems. I want to acknowledge my sin as much as I  have acknowledged the pain in my foot and rear, every step I take or everytime I sit in a chair. 

This isn't to teach. I do not preach. It is a humble declaration of my sin and public statement of my conviction, with the hopes it will convict someone else who needs convicting. 

Always with love, 

J 

xoxo 

Did you know?

The mission statement of A Perfect Injustice is to show and teach marginalized people the love and hope of Christ - and they do just that! 

Showing the love and hope of Christ means different things for different people, and what I love about A Perfect Injustice is they will do whatever it takes to show that love and hope! 

Did you know there are over 10,000 street children in the city of Kampala? It is mind boggling! When API comes in contact with these children the first step they take is to attempt to resettle them with their family. If this is not a option, they seeks means to place them in a home. 

Many people ask why API always helps street boys and not girls. The reason is, there are rarely any girls. But in this blog I want you to meet Tedy. 

Tedy is a beautiful 12 year old girl from Kikubampagi village. She loves the color green because it shines and the color looks nice when painted on anything. Her favorite food is banana and rice because they are delicious and give her energy. In school, she enjoys studying mathematics. Her favorite hobbies are listening to gospel music and playing netball. Her best friend is Dorothy because she loves the most of all her friends and is peaceful and caring. 

Tedy, a normal girl, lives a very not-normal life according to American standards. She is part of a extremely poor family who lives in a grass-thatched house. Her mother, who is a widow, loves Tedy but has a very limited source of income and is unable to provide for her.

A Perfect Injustice has helped Tedy resettle with her mother and is ready to help this family have the means to stay together, allowing for Tedy to go to school, have clothes, food, shelter  and love. They are ready to show this family the love and hope of Christ - but need your help! 

Tedy is in need of a sponsor. There is the option of $50 or $100 a month. Will you pray about providing for her? 

If you are not able to monetary provide; pray for Tedy. She specifically ask that people pray for God to help her attain her goal of becoming a qualified teacher. When she grows up she wants to be a teacher in order to help lower the illiteracy levels in Uganda. 

If you are interested, email aperfectinjustice4@gmail.com to receive specific information on what your monthly donation will provide for Tedy and her family! 

Learn to do right; seek justice.

Defend the oppressed.

Take up the cause of the fatherless;

plead the case of the widow.

-Isaiah 1:17 

"Let me tell you, I saw Jesus at work today."

One the girls in my bible study had the opportunity to lead a missions trip to a small town in Arkansas this summer. While there, she experienced a situation that truly blew my mind. To motivate you to read this, the story ends with a restaurant full of people praying together. This story challenged me, and I hope challenges you, to seek opportunities to be Jesus for somebody - it may just be in a restaurant Kitchen! 

"We arrived in Helena, as a group of 25, on Saturday, July 6^th. This particular Saturday was a very normal day in the sense that all Saturday’s, when arriving in Helena, consist of eating, unpacking, and shopping at the only Walmart in town. Little did we know that the very next day would hold a memory that would never be forgotten. After the church service on Sunday morning, we quickly hopped into the rental cars for lunch because we had 3:00 camp meetings to attend. Typically we all crave Mexican food at the only local Mexican restaurant in town, but on this particular Sunday, we decided to try the new restaurant in town called The Delta Grill. The Delta Grill has been open for a little less than a year now, but has created a good reputation for its food. Ann Carter had heard that The Delta Grill had some pretty great battered fish and onion rings. As we walked into the restaurant, you could see the surprise on the customers faces. All 25 of us coming in to take over; we are any waiter’s nightmare. After all the remaining tables in the restaurant had been pushed together to accommodate all 25 of us, and we were all settled, we began to wait… and wait. It seemed that it took 10 minutes for our waiter just to take our drink order. Then when he did, he didn’t seem very capable of completing the task without some assistance. The drink machine was not self-serve, but luckily the owner didn’t seem to mind that our group was just helping ourselves. Looking back, that may have been slightly rude, but in the end the waiter was just happy to get everyone a drink. As we sat and waited for the waiter to return and take our food order, fifteen or twenty minutes passed by. Eventually Vikki and I decided that we may need to see what was going on, so we went up to the cash register and Vikki asked, “Is there anything that we can do for you?” The owner was glad to have Vikki take the orders of our large party. After he explained that CF stood for crinkle fry and SF stood for seasoned fry, I quickly asked if there was any other way I could help him out. He looked at me and said, “Yes, young lady, do you mind coming back to the kitchen for a few minutes?” I was thrilled. This would be my first experience cooking in a restaurant’s kitchen. Quickly we made our way through the curtains and I was introduced to Alan, who had come just to cook for the day because Dave was short on workers. Dave is the owner of the restaurant. He had also brought some of his family members in to help. One of which was our struggling waiter. At first, I was just waitressing and taking food to tables as it was prepared, but soon that wasn’t enough because Dave had to run to the store! The Delta Grill had run out of cold slaw and batter for the flounder—the two seemingly most popular items! By that time all the kids in our group had to come see what it was like to be in a restaurant’s kitchen. Lillian DuVal and Carol-Ann Moore came and took pictures of us cooking, but soon began taking drink orders for the other customers who were coming in to eat. Lillian and Carol-Ann became the waitresses and I started frying the last pieces of battered fish and put the seasoned fries, crinkled fries, and the onion rings in the fryer. We were all having the greatest of time laughing and shouting orders like, “Where are the plates?” or “Tracey wants his fried okra!” Well Tracey never got his fried okra, but eventually everyone in the restaurant was fed. As I sat at the table eating my fried fish, Dave and Alan came out of the kitchen to thank all of us. And, I will never forget what Dave said, “I’ve never seen anythin’ like this before. I couldn’t believe how all you girls just pitched in and started servin’. This mornin’ I prayed that God would help me with my business. Let me tell you, I saw Jesus at work today. Y’all did exactly what Jesus would’ve done. Thank y’all so much. I just can’t thank ya enough.” As Dave thanked us for probably the fifth time, I saw his eyes water up just a little bit, and at that Matthew Brown suggested that we pray for the restaurant and for Dave and Alan. With that notion, all of the customers in the restaurant circled up and grabbed one another’s hands and we bowed our heads before our wonderful God who showed Himself that day at The Delta Grill. As we drove back to the church to prepare for those 3:00 meetings Cari DuVal said it best, “Y’all that will be a memory that we will never forget, and Alan and Dave will surely never forget it either. We did just what we were supposed to do—bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Helena, Arkansas.”

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

We were able to accomplish that command that day, and what a blessing it was to all of the hearts involved. Praise God for His work done in The Delta Grill on that day."

Your Greeting Card Lied to You!

I distinctly remember going through senior year of high school and clinging to the "truth" of scripture that God had a plan for me. If you would have asked me what my "life verse" was I would have quoted this one in a heart beat. When things around me seemed to go wrong, I clung to the knowledge that God would provide for me and would not let anything harm me. In reality, I believed this scripture meant He was going to give me what I wanted and would give it to me when I wanted it! 

When graduation rolled around I know I received at least fifty cards with it plastered on the front. It was on bookmarks and canvases, and even doodled in my notebooks. 

What was the verse? You have probably already guested it. Yes, it was Jeremiah 29:11: 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope."

I have been reminded lately that it is not just me that clings to this scripture. I often see people posting it on facebook and twitter in the midst of their trails or confusion. The same people who post prophanity and crude talk. My favorite realization occurred when I decided to google "Jeremiah." Guess what the results are? Jeremiah 29:11, not even the entire book. It is hilarious, really. 

At this point, you are probably completely annoyed that I am bashing this scripture. In fact, I am doing far from that - I am criticizing how we choose to interpret it. There is great truth found in it. Yes, God does have a plan for us. He does have a plan for us to prosper, and He will not harm us. The problem is, we think that means He will give us what we want: it actually means almost the opposite. 

If we would look at just one verse before verse eleven we would read this: 

       "This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place."  

God was in fact talking to a group of exiles from Babylon in Jeremiah 29:11. Exiles who were in the midst of much suffering. To them He says, I will come rescue you, but after you suffer for 70 years. He explains to them that He has plans for them, and that He will not harm them. He will not harm them - yet they will still face much suffering. They will prosper - but after 70 years. 

So why is it that we interpret this verse to say God will give us what we  want when we want it, when it clearly is not what he is promising us?

Yes, this verse should be plastered on greeting cards, doodled in our journals, painted on canvases and engraved in our heads, but not for the reason of hoping God grants us what we want and when we want it. Rather, it should make us joyful for the current state of life He has placed us in, whether good or bad. It should make us confident that though God blesses us, suffering too comes from Him. It should make us rejoice in God's perfect timing and not hopeful in our own timing. It should make us thankful we are not exiles in Babylon. it should make us rid our minds of our own hopes and dreams and pray earnestly for contentment in the hopes and dreams God has for us!  

Pray. Pray knowing God may answer you tomorrow and He may answer you in 70 years. Regardless, He is the God who will give you a hope and a future! 

SOOO glad that the plans I had for myself on this day did not occur. Thankful for the GREAT plans God had and has for me! Even thankful for all my greeting cards - and the real truth behind them! 

I Finally Brought a Boy Home to Meet the Parents!

At the beginning of my college career, my parents decided to move. As they began transferring to their new house, I told my mom not to bother giving me a room - a guest room would be much more practical. I explained to her that soon I would be bringing a boy home to meet her and my father, so they would need a guest room for him to stay in. She laughed of course, but I am sure a big part of her thought I was right. I may have been slightly joking, but in fact meant what I said. 

Four years of college later I tell you - no boy was ever brought home (I am in no way disappointed or upset about that, by the way). Ironically last week by parents moved again - this time, I gave no plea for a guest room. 

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About a year ago I made up my mind. I NEEDED a boy in my life! A boy to keep me company, snuggle with me, and make me laugh. The boy I had in mind was slightly different than the "type" of boy most college girls are searching for. Similar though to most - my search became an obsession. I HAD to have him! I didn't even care one bit what he would look like, I just wanted one!  He didn't even need to be tall. In fact, I preferred he not even reach knee level. 

This past Sunday I had the joy of bringing home a boy to meet my parents for the very first time! His name is Copper (Inspired by one of my Disney favorites, Fox and the Hound)! 

Copper is a 12 weeks old and I love him so much already! We have literally spent every moment together! He snuggles up to me at night and I wake up with him by my side. He possibly is the cutest thing ever! Well... except for that one thing.... 

He much rather use the bathroom inside than outside. It is driving me INSANE! Any ideas how to fix this? 

Today me and Copper made our first visit to the vet. I was terrified... him, not so much! Surprisingly, it was a walk in the park...

And then we took a walk in the park (literally)! We walked down the pier at the harbor of hospitality, meeting many boaters along the way! We were having a blast - until I realized I dropped the car key somewhere! oops. I prayed that God help me walk directly to it, and He did! Not sure why I was so shocked He answered that prayer, but I was! 

After we found the key, we left the waterfront and currently Copper is very sweetly laying by my feet in Muddy Waters Coffee Shop (MY FAVORITE COFFEE EVER!) while I enjoy a mocha frappe and write this blog! The perfect date! ; ) 

And now... what you are all wondering.... 

Why did you get a puppy when you are moving to Africa?

GUESS WHAT?!?! 

Copper is going too!!! AHH! I am so excited! 

I still am hopeful that one day a "real" boy will come home to meet the parents... but that is all in Gods timing! For now, I am stoked to have brought home Copper! He is the best! 

He is all about some Kissing!

Watching me and Mom cook!

At our first Vet Visit! 

Waling around the beautiful, Elizabeth City

Chilling at Muddy's 

He gives. He takes away: Lets Suffer Well!

Suffering is a real thing. We all face it. It is so easy to say, "well, so many people have to worse than me," but that isn't a fair statement. Pain is pain, and we all understand what it feels like. 

Recently I have been made aware of the realness of suffering. Not current suffering, but that fact that I will face suffering - and probably a lot of it, in my life. This realization came from the life of a man name Job.

Job was a amazing man of God. His life was full of blessings and God allowed Satan to take it all away. By all, I mean ALL. Even his children.... all ten of them died. The important thing to understand is that God Himself allowed the suffering. Job understood that, and worshiped God through his pain.  Yes, he did have times of questioning and felt anger toward God... but he continued to worship. 

More than likely, you have heard of Job, but you probably have not heard of Brittany. Brittany is a young mother of two who daily faces intense suffering similar to Job. She writes this: 

"Hudson and Leila have late infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis better known as batten disease. It took 7 years to get a correct diagnosis on Hudson and as soon as was diagnosed, Leila had a grand mal seizure and was immediately tested and shown to also have battens. Some of the symptoms that helped us know that something was wrong with Hudson (now 8 1/2 years old )were the onset of vision problems and seizures. He first showed major personality and behavior changes. His ability to learn completely stopped and his speech faded very quickly. Clumsiness followed and he sustained a terrible injury to his leg that almost took his life. He now has poor circulation in his arms and legs. his stomach is refusing to empty properly which had led to body fat and muscle mass loss.

Over time, Hudson has suffered mental impairment, worsening seizures, and complete blindness. He cannot speak at all and has no motor skills. He is in a wheel chair and he mentally and physically can only do what a 6 month old can do. Leila is currently going blind and she can no longer go down stairs alone. she is mentally under 2 years old, even though she physically is about to turn six years old. They are both beautiful amazing babies! God has truly blessed me with gorgeous amazing kids! I am enjoying each day with them!! This disease will end their lives between 8-12 yrs old. But as for today they are being lent to me to enjoy. -Brittany"

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I will never forget the day years ago that I went to the hospital with my parents to visit Hudson and Brittany. I remember leaving confused. Confused to how there was a big smile on Brittany's face while her sweet little boy lay in a hospital bed in pain. Confused of how Brittany had a smile on her face knowing she potentially would have to say goodbye to sweet Hudson one day. 

Recently, I have come to understand why. I understand why Brittany continues to smile. Brittany smiles because she loves God. She doesn't love God for His gifts, but she loves Him for who He is. She doesn't love Him because she has healthy children, a bunch of money, a perfect job, or perfect life - she simply loves God for who He is. She doesn't praise God for the good days, she praises Him everyday. 

I feel confident that like Job, Brittany has faced days of anger, doubt and questioning. I know that she probably doesn't feel as strong as I view her. Brittany is no super hero, she is just like you and me, but her strength has encouraged me. Her continual joy has convicted me. If Brittany can have joy during a trial this big, I can find joy through my trials. 

The God of blessings and the God of suffering are the same God. 

Lets prepare our hearts for suffering.  Lets be a Job. Lets be a Brittany. 

Lets love God for God.... not for His gifts! 

Lets suffer well. 

 The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." - Job 

(Job 1:21)

A Colorful Promise

(I wrote this in my journal while I was leaving Kampala last May. I recently re-read it and decided to share.)

Sitting on a plane waiting for the departure from Kampala and African rain begins rolling down the small plane window. With this beautiful rain comes the most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen. More unique than any one I have ever seen, I could see its beginning and its end. I sat in awe as I stared at it over amazing African landscape with confidence that God must have painted this breathtaking picture in the sky.

The past few weeks of my life my eyes have been opened to much pain, suffering, and injustice and it breaks my heart. Its hard to know that I am leaving this place to go home to a family, shelter, an abundance of food, and clean water when over 10,000 young boys are sleeping on the streets of Kampala. It is even harder to know that even through all my prayers... God is still going to let them sleep there tonight.

I think about this, and then I think about this rainbow... and I remember the promise of my sovereign God. Genesis 10:13 says, "I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth." God makes many covenants to the earth like in psalms 38:28 which says, "For the Lord loves justice, and He will NEVER abandon the godly." or Psalm 9:18 which says, "But the needy will NOT be ignored forever, the hopes of the poor will NOT always be crushed." Or Psalms 9:9 which says, "The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."

Looking at this beautiful rainbow I know with confidence that God is reminding me of a promise. God promises to be a shelter for these boys, He promises their needs will not always be ignored, and He promises that He loves justice and will NEVER abandon the godly. He doesn't promise any of us comfort. He doesn't promise any of us shelter, food or clean water. He doesn't promise life is always going to be fair. But the promises He does make are much greater than these.

Ironically, one of my new friends name is Musoke. Musoke means rainbow. This young boy lived on the streets for many years and  now is part of the API family were he has a bed, food, and a lot of people who love him. Most importantly, he loves and worships the God who provided it for him. He is an perfect example of exactly what his name means - the promises of God are so evident in his life. 

The same God who provided for Musoke can and will provide for all 10,000 street boys of Kampala... and for you and me.

How amazing that God can remind me of this mind blowing truth through something as big and beautiful as a rainbow?

Adventures of Trent and Jordan: That's a Wrap, Folks!

Today we had a blast at the pool and followed it up with a Sonic Happy-Hour run!

Then off we went for the last day of Super Summer Adventure - Home Edition club which was a huge success! Water games, a cookout and all the works! So incredibly thankful for my awesome church!

To end our week right we had a bonfire with a bunch of my incredibly awesome friends, which was Trent's idea.While we were there, Trent (and everyone else) even got to see a bunch of snakes eat a bunch of mice. Cool, right?!  A couple s'mores and a lot of fun later, we finally headed for home.

Clearly, I let him stay up way to late because we had our first argument of the week. It didn't really matter because he feel asleep before either one of us could even win.

Tomorrow is His Birthday so I just wrapped presents and booby-trapped our house!

(There are balloons behind the plastic. Hoping it works... the balloons should all fall on him when he opens the door.)

In the morning, bright and early, we are heading to meet our parents and family for birthday breakfast at Trent (and mine's) favorite - Cracker Barrel! After a good meal, Trent and I will part ways! Raleigh (and me) will miss him for sure!

Clearly, I am tired. You could probably tell by the brevity of this post.

It has been a great week of adventures! Looking forward to tomorrow morning's grand finally!