Restored to Joy!

Rebuilding the Foundations

2010-02-01T18:28:00.002-07:00

Two of the big steps in my garden were broken apart and crumbling with age and weather. They were quite dangerous. For years we patched them up and cemented the stones together on the surface, but they soon broke down again.

The builder came and looked. He broke them up completely, removing all the stones and cement and underneath were the roots of a holly tree. He cut out the roots, re-laid cleaned stones and pointed them leaving two lovely steps, safe and firmly in place for people to walk on.

I could make everything look good by putting another perfect layer on top, but eventually what was below would push through to the surface causing more trouble and danger. We need to allow the Master builder to come and break up the faulty and shaky foundations and to rebuild our lives. He can rebuild us with the best and most beautiful materials there are and our foundations will be of precious stone. For Jesus is our Foundation Stone. He is Precious to those who believe.

When he breaks us, it’s hard to bear, but we need to be broken, in order for him to rebuild us in this wonderful way. Sometimes it may seem He is saying, ‘For a brief moment I abandoned you. But with great compassion I will will gather you’ (Isaiah 54:7) and ‘For the mountains may depart and the hills disappear, but my kindness shall not leave you. My promise of peace for you will never be broken, says the Lord’ (Isaiah 54:10).

Many will look back and see how this tempest-tossed and troubled one, is growing into a strong, steady and fruitful child of God, whose walls and houses, made beautiful, may shelter, protect and encourage others on the way.

Prayer: Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Seeds of the Kingdom (Ellel Ministries International)

Rescued - Redeemed - Restored

2010-01-25T00:46:00.004-07:00

Today at church... I had the privledge to watch a group of orphans from Uganda sing and proclaim God's truth. Seeing those kids (ages 7 - 12) on stage brought tears streaming down my face. They told their stories of how their parents died from AIDS and how they went to live on the streets because nobody wanted them and how this paticular organization came and gave them love, food, a bed and clothing and how most importantly they told through their actions about God - the father of the parentless.

Right now, I am amazed that God already had those kids on a plane and prepared the message that they were going to bring. I came away understanding that...

1) I am not forsaken and forgotten
2) I am deeply loved by God
3) God promises to be my father, protector and my provider
4) That He has given us the future when the past is to hard to bare.
5) When you change your attitude to others... your problems aren't as big of a giant as you origailly thought.

I left church today... with a new outlook and a desires to wrap each of those kids up in my arms.

~jessica

A changed perspective

2010-01-21T12:16:00.003-07:00

I don't know what has gotten into me lately... for some reason I actually look forward to writing another blog post. (hahahahahahaha)

This morning I decided to go for a quiet walk. As I left the driveway, I noticed a forlone empty orange juice bottle sitting on the ground. Maybe it was because it stuck out to me like a shiny star on a moonlite night, but almost without thinking I bent down to pick it. As I did so this little thought hit me in the back of my head "I wonder if I turn it in if it is worth any money". Needless to say I was SHOCKED when the cashier handed me $0.20 for one empty juice bottle. It was like a light went on in my head as I started to see every empty soda can and juice bottle as pure money. The story doesn't end there... because on the way home I picked up three more bottles sitting on the sidewalk.

As I talked to the Lord about it He showed me something beautiful. I grew up veiwing soda cans and bottles as being junk. But today, my perspective changed when I found out that they are valuable. How many people have I looked down on... because they are different, speak another language, believe in another religion, are dirty from living on the streets, have lice... God showed me today that He doesn't condem or put labels on anybody. To Him, each one of us is a valuable jewel. He loves us and through His love He wants to bring us into a relationship with Him. Will I receive that love today and will I be a well spring bubbling up, giving that love to others? It is my prayer that the Lord would change my perspective towards the people that I am finding hard to love right now.

~jessica joy

My heart - God's home

2010-01-19T23:43:00.004-07:00

The other day, I went for a walk. As I neared home, the clouds of night started to roll in as the sunlight faded behind the mountains. It was beautiful.

Slowly, as one step turned into another, I noticed the lights flicking on in the different homes around me. I could see dining room tables set for parties, living rooms that were shiny and clean, families spending quality time and elderly couples enjoying each other. To be honest... I have always found myself wondering what goes on in other houses. I think the reason why this intrigues me so much is I want to know what a perfect family is like. (On a side note, as I have gotten older I have only come to the realization that there is not a single family in the world that is "perfect")

I thing that hit me this evening in particular was the Lord opening my eyes to the understanding that my heart is His home. This evening, the Lord showed me that if my heart is REALLY His home, then I need to make a constant effort to keep it holy ("set apart" and "sanctified") for Him.

The Lord has cleansed me and has set me apart. He has a plan for me. Am I willing to stand up to the battle and boldly take my stand and live a life of purity and steadfastness? Will my heart be a place where He shines out of? For in reality, my heart only a mirror of the things I fill it with.

~jessica

no more sorrow... no more tears...

2010-01-19T23:35:00.003-07:00

We know that when the child is born he is born to sorrow. Whatever else is uncertain about him, we are quite sure that those little eyes will weep; that those little limbs will know weariness and pain; and that his little heart will be distracted sooner or later by many griefs... but look, now, at the saint when he dies. It is absolutely certain that he has done with sorrow, done with pain. We know that they shall die no more; "they shall hunger now more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any hear; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Now, surely, the day in which we are certain that sorrow is over must be better than the day in which we are certain that sorrow is on the road.
(taken from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon - March 3, 1891)

Choosing Forgiveness

2010-01-17T16:03:00.004-07:00

"Airline pilots have to learn how to read their instruments -- and to trust those instruments. When they get into a storm or whitout conditions, they can get disoriented; their sense of direction gets turned around and can easily mislead them and cause them to make decisions that would endanger lives. In those situations, they have to make a conscious choice to believe the instruments, rather than their instincts or their feelings.

For believers, the Word of God is our instrument panel. There will be points in our lives when, in the midst of "white out conditions", our feelings will betray us and contradict His Word -- insisting God doesn't care or that He's made a mistake. At that point, we dare not rely on our feelings but must choose to trust that what the Instrument tells us is true."
(taken from "Choosing Forgiveness" by Nancy DeMoss")

PASSION

2010-01-16T19:59:00.002-07:00

Tonight as I have been watching American football my thoughts have been turned to the dedication and passion that the professional football players (and musicans, dancers and other professionals) have to have to excel in their sport.

As I have been cheering on "my team" on many questions have been going through my being... where is my passion focused? what exactly am I passionate about? (Is it about aiding in the Haiti earthquake relief... is it seeking to give shelter to the homeless... is it desiring a deeper relationship with Christ so that His sweet aroma can touch lives around me?) It is my prayer that as I seek the Lord about this tonight that I would draw closer to Him.

Goodnight ~ jessica

Love

2009-08-17T11:37:00.003-06:00

Yesterday at church the man speaking told a story of when he was in Africa. While in Africa he ministered to a leprosy clinic in a refuge camp. At the leprosy clinic he didn't want to touch anyone because he was afraid of getting "dirty" and getting leprosy. After talking to the Lord about if for a long time... the Lord told him to go and give one particular man a hug. This particular man at the leprosy clinic had no hands, or feet, no ears and no nose. He was shunned by everybody as He hobbled around with stinks.

The man speaking said the next day when he went to the camp... he quickly went over to the man without hands or feet and gave him a giant big bear hug as tears rolled down his face. He said that was all he could do and after giving the man with leprosy a hug he left. The next day when he returned though... the same man came over as quickly as he could hobble and following behind him was a whole line-up of people just wanting a human to hold them and to give them a loving touch.

Since church yesterday... I have been thinking about that. There are so many people out there who are considered "dirty" and detestable by the world. Those are the kinds of people I want to embrace. I want to love them and give them a glimpse of the love of GOD. Not only has God commanded us to keep His commands, but in John it says that people will know that we are His disciples by our love. I want people to see Jesus Christ in me through love.

Jesus Christ came to the earth to love the unlovely, the heal the sick, to give sight to the blind to redeem the broken, to release those bound by bondage and to set the captives free. Not only did He reached out to people that others rejected... but it was the very people that He ministered to that sought to destroy His very life.

How I desire to be molded and made more like my Saviour!

~jessica

"Mystery"

2009-07-21T17:18:00.002-06:00

As I sit here eating ice cream pie -- before I eat supper of course (laughing)... I am thinking about how God gives us mysteries to draw us to Himself as we look to Him for answers.

On Friday last week, God gave me a mystery. At first it was like "I don't understand, this is really weird"... but as I was talking to the Creator God about it, He showed me something that I not only needed to hear, but also something that was life changing and gave me a new perspective on the season of life I am going through right now.

It started when I went to a coffee shop with a bunch of friends from my Bible study group. As soon as we walked into the coffee shop and proceeded to sit downn, a random person came up to us and told us that he wanted to buy us what ever we wanted to drink. First he asked the other people what they wanted to drink and then he asked me what I wanted. I said "I will just have a plain coffee". (Thinking "...that's what I always get because it is the cheapest thing on the menue.") The only problem was when I said "Oh, I will just have a plain coffee"... the man looked at me with this dazed and shocked look on his face and told me to go look at the menue and find something a little more exciting. So... to obey these weird orders... I got up and looked at the menue. To make a long story short I ended up with the best iced coffee ever... Caremel Mountain Expresso.

Seriously, I felt very odd letting another random stranger buy me a expensive drink. (A side note is that I wouldn't have allowed him to do that if I was alone.) The rest of the night I kept on thinking about the mystery of it all. I knew that the Lord was trying to tell me something... I just didn't understand what it was fully.

In the morning, when I got into the shower I started talking to the Lord about it. I asked Him to show me and to make clear to me what He was trying to tell me through what happened at the coffee shop the night before. It was then that He started to open up my heart and eyes to several different truths that my heart needed to hear and compherend. He told me, that just like the man offered to get me anything I wanted on the menue -- He is offering salvation, fullness of joy, freedom, peace, hope, healing and life. It is a absolutly FREE gift that is available to anyone with no strings attacthed. I don't have to do anything... except accept the free gift.

I have had to make a descion this weekened. Will I accept God's gift of life, healing and freedom that He wants to give me? I have choosen yes. I am not going to give up. I am going to keep on going. His strength is sufficant for me!

prayer request

2009-07-10T15:20:00.002-06:00

Hey guys!
I don't have time for a real update right now... but could you join me in prayer. God gave me my cello a few weeks ago. I have been advertising for students and gigs. Could you pray that God would bless me students and gigs? Thank you so much!!!!
~jessica

2009-06-29T15:28:00.003-06:00

"To grant those who mourn in Zion -- to give them a beautful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." Isaiah 61:3

2009-06-10T11:24:00.001-06:00

Jeremiah 17:7

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord."

who is your coach?

2009-06-09T15:11:00.013-06:00

Who is your coach? This is something I have I have been thinking about over the past couple of weeks. About a month ago, I had the amazing oppertunity to go to my first american baseball game. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. It was pretty exciting!

Oh the thrill and excitement that I experienced as I joined the hundreds of other fans as we cheered the "Sky Soxs" on. (That game we won 8 to 6 - yayness!!!) The thing that made the biggest impact on me though... was not the smell of the hotdogs floating through the air or the andreniline pumping through my veins as we got a home run. Instead it was seeing the coaches standing behind the white line helping and encouraging each member of their team to keep on going.

Through this... the Lord has showen me a few simularities between the baseball coach and Himself. Not only is He my Heavenly Father, but He is my "coach" as well. He is training me. Ultimately, preparing me for great works. Its a process... that includes stretching, as I am taken out of my comfort zone; pruning, so that I can bare fruit in aboundance; suffering, so that the power of Christ can be seen in and through me; endurance, to keep on going until the race is done (to name just a few). How I anticipate and desire to hear my Saviour saying to me "well, done my good and faithful servant.

Will you join me in learning to keep my eyes focused and centered on Him?

~jessica

learning to trust!

2009-06-07T21:07:00.002-06:00

The other day I decided to bike to the post office which is a mile away. All was going fine. The sun was shining and the wind was blowing my hair in millions of different directions.

By the time I got to the post office... my muscles were burning from going uphill the whole way. I locked up my bike and went in to mail some letters.

Once my post office mission was done. I set off to my next mission... biking to the dollar store which was another 1.5 miles away. As I biked... I found myself in a really sweet and precious time of communication with my Heavenly Father.

When I got to the Dollar Store, I got off my bike and started to lock it up. It was then that it suddenly hit me that my bike lock was gone. I was dumb stuck and pretty upset. At first I was like... oh well, I could just go in and forget about it and get another lock whenever. Then it was like, I can't go in because somebody might take my bike and this isn't really MY bike because somebody is letting me use their bike and I really do NOT want their bike stolen. So then it was like... I don't have any other choice then to bike back uphill to the post office to see if I could find my bicycle lock.

It was as I started to bike back that I became VERY angry with God. Here I had been having such sweet fellowship with Him and then He lets this happen to me (although I can laugh about it now... I was pretty disturbed by it then ). I began to talk to Him and tell my Father just the way I felt and what was going on inside. He began to tell me that He did this to teach me to trust Him. He said that everything was going to be ok... that I could rest in the fact that He had EVERYTHING under control. I bicycled back to the Post Office and when I got there... guess what I found? My lock! I then went back to the dollar store to finish my mission.

I am still learning to trust God. It is getting easier to give Him full reign and access to my heart.... but it is still a daily, moment by moment descion. I pray that nothing will hold me back... that I will be able to trust God with my all.

wildlife pictures

2009-04-24T09:17:00.006-06:00

wild big horn sheep

watch out for the buffalo

I think it would be a wise idea to NOT pet them.

I couldn't resist this last picture... a real wild "beatle".

Philipians 1:1

2009-04-22T14:39:00.008-06:00

Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Philippians 1:1

When Paul says that he is a "servant" of Jesus Christ, it refers to a slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another, one who gives himsefl up to the will of another, Jesus made Himself that kind of servant (see Philippians 2:7) "Christ" means: Anointed, Redeemer, Messiah. The word "saint" means holy, set apart, sanctified, consecrated, devoted to God. The "bishops are the elders of the church and a deacon is a minister and a servant (often a king!). It literally means a deacon! I'm not exactly sure why, but one think I thought was interesting is that it is specifically addressed to the Philippian church. God knows each one of us and calls us by name (see Isaiah 43:1). A paraphrase of the verse could be: Paul and Timothy, slaves for life to Jesus Christ, the Anointed One and our REdeemer, to all those who are holy, set apart, and sanctified to Jesus, and the elders and deacons... wow that has more meaning than I could ever see just from reading it, or even memorizing it! (Sources: The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, edited by Zodhiates; and resources on blueletterbible.org, including Thayer's Lexicon and Vines Expository Dictionary).

Submitted by my friend Christi

Challenge

2009-04-18T10:04:00.002-06:00

A friend and I have started a "challenge" to memorize the book of Phillipians. Stay tuned for posts on what the Lord has been teaching us through our memorization and meditation.

Yeilding

2009-04-16T16:12:00.004-06:00

"Yeilding means absolute relingquishment of everything; every known sin, every percieved " right", every desire for restitution, every notion that you can do it yourself. It means being still. It means NOT being in control anymore. It means not covering up anymore and it means giving up the blaming and becoming accountable for your own behaviour."
quote taken from: "With Love from a Mother's Heart" by: Glenda Revell

Recently, the Lord has been asking me to let go of a few things (actually a LOT of things). To be frank and honest, I am finding it to be a scary a process to see things and people being taken away from me. It's not what I expected, nor is it something I would have chosen for myself. The turmoil of letting go and and giving everything back to God hurts deeper then I can put into words right now. But, slowly over this past week I realize that He is asking me to give Him my all in obedience to Him. The question remains... am I willing to sacrifice EVERYTHING (even the things that are most precious to my heart)? Am I willing to give Him my gift of trust?

gratefulness
~jessica joy

prayer request

2009-04-11T17:23:00.003-06:00

Life as I have always known it has taken a sudden turn. The future and the unknown is really scary right now. I have NO idea what is going to happen and I am really struggling!!! I can't give any details, but please pray for me and please pray that God's name would recieve glory in and through the situation that my family and I are in right now.

gratefulness
~jessica joy

no problems -- just plans!

2009-04-07T09:58:00.002-06:00

" So many times we wonder why God has certain things happen to us. We try to understand the circumstances of our lives and we are left wondering. But God's foolishness is so much wiser then our wisdom.
From generation to generation, from small beginnings and little lessons, He has a purpose for those who know and trust Him.
God has NO problems -- just plans."
~Corrie tenBoom

The Road Less Travelled

2009-04-05T09:21:00.010-06:00

My life-long journey of seeking to know God started two years ago when I dedicated my life to Christ while I was on the “Journey to the Heart”. Since then, although I have found that it isn’t an easy journey… I have found it to be the most rewarding and exciting journey ever! I’ve found this journey to be an uphill climb, full of challenges as “rocks and roots” seem to spring out of nowhere, trying to trap me into believing lies and fill me with discouragement, ultimately, trying to make me fall and give up. I truly believe that the last thing Satan wants is to see us living victorious lives and finishing well. I also believe that he is going to try everything in his power to stop us.

When I signed up to go on the “Journey to the Heart”, I knew little of how God would use it in my life. Up until that point, I truly thought that I was a Christian, because I had grown up in a Christian family and I had said the sinners prayer when I was 3 years old. Despite that, I did not have a personal relationship with God. Everything I said and did was out of tradition and what was expected of me. It was during my “Journey to the Heart”, that God showed me who He was and little by little tore down the walls I had built up around my heart.

Throughout my life, due to some difficult circumstances I had always thought that I wasn’t a sinner. Instead, I would look at the crimes others had committed against me and say “those are the sinners… me?… are you kidding!” It wasn’t until I forgave the people who had hurt me that God showed me I was a sinner in need of His forgiveness. While on my Journey, I fully surrendered and dedicated my life to Christ. As a result, I now have a personal relationship with God and since then, He has shown me that my life purpose is to know Him and to make Him known!

It saddens me to think of all the years that I have wasted and all the things God had to bring me through to reach this point. Despite that, I know that He has a plan and purpose for everything! “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)...

...I am traveling on the road less traveled, which makes my journey long andsteep. Despite that, I can whole heartily say with the hymn writer “It willbe worth it all when we see Christ!” The Lord is my strength and mysufficiency!

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no mighthe increaseth strength. Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and theyoung men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renewtheir strength; they shall mount up on wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)

It is my desire is to live a life that is so radically different from others, that I will be able to make an eternal difference in the lives of every single person I meet! This can only be done by living in the reality of my life purpose, to know Him and make Him known! I want to praise and thank the Lord for the work He is doing and has done in my life. He has rescued and redeemed me from a pit and has put my feet on a rock! “The Lord is good and only does good! Blessed be the name of the Lord!”

~blessings

jessica

$20 Dollar Bill

2009-04-03T13:00:00.002-06:00

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of Two hundred, he asked, Who would like this $20 bill?
Hands started going up.
He said, I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple the bill up.
He then asked, Who still wants it?
Still the hands were up in the air.
Well, he replied, What if I do this? And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.
He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. Now who still wants it?
Still the hands went into the air.
My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value: dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you. The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we know, but by Who we are!
Speaker and Author Unknown

Trees That Wood

2009-04-02T09:42:00.001-06:00

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

New Experiences

2009-03-19T14:54:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I had "Chick-fa-la" for the first time. I once heard that you can't get the full American experience without trying it... as a result, I decided that since I am in America right now I really should try it. I have to admit that it tasted pretty good - despite wondering how good it is for you .

love to you all
~ jessica joy

Pikes Peak

2009-03-16T12:34:00.000-06:00

Pikes Peak -- Colorado Springs

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills -- from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Isreal shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall perserve your going out and your coming in from the this time forth and forevermore."

Psalm 121:1-8

Trust

2009-01-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

Last night my younger brother Jasper and I went skiing. It was the first time I had been out on the slopes this season. I was having a great time ripping down the slopes and feeling my muscles burn again... that is until Jasper called me over and said "Jessica, I have cut myself... I need a ski patrol". Not only do we have the highest level of first aid, but both of us are first aid responders. So, when I heared my brother tell me that he needed help immediatly... I knew something was very wrong. When the ski patrol came, Jasper took his hand out of his sliced snow pants and it was covered and dripping in blood. I will spare you all the gory details... but I will say that there was a gash 15 inches long and about 5 inches wide. It was a total freak accident... he was in the terrain park. He was doing a large jump and landed wrong... causing his right ski to fall off... then he landed on the edge of the ski and the rest... well... it is history now.

The ambliance took him to the hospital and I followed behind in the car. I didn't know the area... but I got to the hopital ok and thought all was good. I stayed for several hours and was able to see, talk and be with my brother after he had been stiched and stapled shut. By the time my mom and dad were able to get there it was pretty late and I was very tired... so I decided to go home. I started driving thinking I knew where I was going, but after about 30 mins I realized that I was lost in the middle of no where. It is a terrible feeling after having such a emotional night... to realize that you don't know where you are and that you don't know how to get home.

All of a sudden it hit me that I had the family's GPS unit in the car. I quickly hooked it up and typed in "HOME". As soon as I did that... it started telling me to go in directions that felt totally wrong. At that point I had a choice to make... should I change course and follow the GPS or should I continue travelling in the direction that felt right to me (I have a very good sense of direction and never before have I become so disoriented). I chose to follow the GPS and a good 40 mins later I was pulling into my driveway.

God showed me last night that I need to trust Him, just like I trusted the GPS last night to get me home. So many different things have happened to me in the past, that has made trusting people and God difficult. But God hasn't called me to trust people... God has called me to trust Him. I can trust Him because He is gentle and faithful. He promises to work all things out for good. Truly, He delights in turning ashes into something beautiful.

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:3-4

~jessica joy

RESTORED!

2009-01-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, My great army which I sent among you.

You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you;

And my people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord you God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame."

Joel 2:25-27

Cello exam -- Wednesday at 10:55am

2009-01-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

For months, I have been practising a LOT on my cello. I have been preparing for a cello exam which is this week, on Wednesday morning. Not only have I been learning hundreds of notes... but God has been teaching me SO much through it!

To be honest, preparing for this exam has been very difficult emotionally. It has been neat though, even during the times when the tears refused to cease, as I have been practising my cello... I have felt my Heavenly Father's love and peace wrap around me.

So often, when my heart is hurting, the last thing I want to do is praise and glorify the Lord. But, one thing the Lord has been slowly teaching me is that He wants me to praise Him -- ALL THE TIME!!! It is only by realizing His goodness and grace to me, that I can begin to praise Him. I find that when I start to sing praise to God (even if I feel like it or not)... something happens inside me and I find myself overflow with joy,

To be honest, it is hard to believe that my exam will soon be over. I am looking forward to having it be done... but, on the other hand... I am kind of sad. It will depict another finished chapter in my life. I don't know what the future holds. There are many variables and uncertian days ahead.

I would appreciate prayer for my exam and for the days ahead.

~jessica

God's will is GOOD!!!

2009-01-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

"No, it is not by giving us back what He has taken that our God teaches us His deepest lessons, but by patiently waiting beside us til' we can say: I accept the will of God as good and acceptable and perfect, for less or for gain."

~Amy Carmicheal

strength and light for TODAY!!!

2009-01-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

"But indeed through it all God does make known to us wonderful resources of His Mercy. He does help us, beyond all that we can ask or think, by the kindness and gentleness that He teaches others to show us, and by the Light that changes the look of all things, and by the uplifting power of His Grace, and by showing us our task in life, and by setting us to help and think for others: so in all these ways He bears us on from day to day. And it is just from day to day that we have to hold on; not looking into or puzzling about the further distances of this life, but doing our best each day, with each day's task and each day's duty, trusting God to give us the strength and light which for each day we need."
- Francis Paget

Memories of Taiwan

2009-01-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein."

Psalm 24:1

I have been thinking about Taiwan recently. I miss the country. I miss the people. It is hard to stay here... when I feel such a strong tug on my heart to go back. Despite that, I know without doubt that I am where God wants me to be right now.

~Jessica

Complacency

2009-01-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

I grew up living in the city, but about 5 years ago we moved to the country. Which in other words is like saying... I moved from a place where I could walk 5 minutes and buy ingredients needed for supper... to saying it now takes me over 30 min to get anywhere that is actually known as somewhere.

At first I liked the idea of moving to the country, because my grandparents live in the country on a farm and often my siblings and I would help them with taking care of the land and harvesting the apples. Little did I know though, the full impact of our move would have. You see we moved in the late summer and it was only several short weeks later that the raid of the stink bugs started.

Now unlike adorable ladybugs... these bugs look absolutely horrific! That is to put it nicely. Stick bugs are brownish in colour with long legs and antennas, they have the tendency to walk really slow and sit around staring at you... then when you least expect it they fly at you, resulting in screams and a very interesting display of hands waving in the air. Their plan of attack is quite ingenious actually... as they come into the house in the early fall and stay until the nice weather of spring is in the air. Then they leave and we don't have the “joy” of seeing them until next fall.

The first time I saw a stink bug in my room... I totally freaked out! I yelled at my younger brother to save me and He ran up and became a war hero as he flushed the intruder down the toilet (the first rule about stink bugs is that you don't want to squish them... as that makes this awful crunching noise that sends shivers up and down your spine). Although they still make their yearly pilgrimage to our house... it was only this past fall that I realized the sobering fact at they no longer freaked me out. In fact I have become so accustomed to them that I actually think that they are kind of cute now!

As I have been thinking about the stink bug and how over the period of only 4 years I went from freaking out... to saying “awe the CUTE stink bug!” I have realized that I too have allowed areas of complacency and passiveness to sin, control and rob me of strength to do what was right.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15).

"Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matthew 24:12).

"No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." (2 Timothy 2:4)

To make a difference you must be different! Will you come and take the challenge with me to be different and to live life standing alone for what is right?

~jessica joy

turkey!

2008-12-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

The other day my family was given a turkey for Christmas. This was a very unexpected special surprise. I am excited!!! Now I need to figure out roast it and how to make stuffing *smile*

~MERRY CHRISTMAS!~

jessica

Remembrance Day

2008-12-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago... at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month... my nation paused for minute of silence. A quite moment set aside from the busyness of the day, to remember ALL the sacrifices soldiers have made, so that others could live and have the freedom to tell their story -- and giving me a chance to tell my story!

You see... I am Dutch.

To give a brief history lesson... during WW2, the Canadian Forces played an important role in liberating the Netherlands. Canadians who landed on D-Day, fought battles through France, Belgium, the Scheldt and in Germany before being dispatched back to the Netherlands, with the Canadians who had fought in Italy. Canadian orders were to push the German troops occupying the northeast back to the sea and to drive German troops in the west back into Germany. The advance was halted on April 12, 1945, because of concern for the well-being of citizens in the western Netherlands, who, having been starved for months, ran the risk of having their country flooded if the Germans panicked and opened the dykes.

On April 28, 1945, the Canadians negotiated a truce which permitted relief supplies to enter the western Netherlands and end the "Hunger Winter". No part of western Europe was liberated at a more vital moment than the Netherlands and the Dutch people cheered Canadian troops as one town after another was freed. To show their appreciation to the pilots who dropped food from the air, many Dutch people painted, "Thank you, Canadians!" on their rooftops.

My Oma tells me stories of the starvation they faced and the fright of the air raids. As I look into her face I can still see the fear and terror written in her eyes. The effect is lasting. As she continues to speak... a deep sense of relief takes over the fear, as she begins to relate what it was like when the Canadians liberated Holland! She shares how the Canadian soldiers shared the little food they had and how they were so very kind to them. Then she tells about the food that was dropped from the air. She tells about the cans of milk, bread, pasta, and chocolate... and she tells about how since they had been without food for so long, they did not know what do with it. I am so grateful to the Canadians soldiers that risked their lives, because had they been any later my grandparents would not have made it and I would not be here.

The story is not over yet. One of the food packages that my Oma's family recieved (one of the ones dropped from the air) was from a Canadian family who left their address inside the package. After the war ended... my Oma was able to get in contact with them. Several years later... the same family sponsored my Oma, Opa and dad to immergrate to Canada.

This past Rememberance Day... I have been doing a LOT of thinking not only about what the soldiers did for my family, but what Jesus Christ did for us. He sacrificed His very own life so that we may live with Him for ETERNITY. What a privledge! What an AMAZING GIFT!!!

sweeter than honey

2008-11-24T12:32:00.001-07:00

The other day I left for work at 6:30am in morning. This is normal... or as normal as normal can possibly be.

To be honest... I am a early morning person. I LOVE the morning hours!!! Despite that, I always seem to find walking outside on a very cold day a shock to my system. This morning in paticular, when I walked outside and collided with the fresh, chilly, dark morning... I found myself complaining and cranky. As the morning continued and as I found myself stressed out with all the paperwork and just plain business... a client came in and proceeded to give me a bottle of honey. I was really touched. I had never had my very OWN bottle of honey before. (I know it may seem rather strange... but in my household... with my 10 brothers and sisters... honey just doesn't stay around for long *laughing*). I was still marvelling at the love of God that was displayed with this bottle of honey... when then a few hours later another person came in and proceeded to give me a large coffee. (Seriously, I had never had coffee thay tasted so GOOD!!!!)

These little surprises were the last thing I expected... but it is neat to see the little blessing and smiles God brought along to bring encouragement, to give me a "hunger and thirst for righteosness" and to show me a little more about who my God is.

Just a few thoughts...
"The law of the Lord, is perfect reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also then honey and the honeycomb."
Psalm 19:7-10

blessings,
jessica joy

Story of the "Hotwater Bottle and Dolly"

2008-11-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

This story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa.

One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us a with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run a incubator).

We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.

Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). "And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.

"All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphange children who chose to gather with me... I gave the youngesters various suggestions of the things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could se easily die if it got chilles. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.

During prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. "Please, God" she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon."

While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?"

As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, "Amen". I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could anwer his particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever recieved a parcel from home.

Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door.

By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tear pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.

Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly coloured, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend. Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the... could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children.

She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!"

Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dilly.

Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!

Looking at me, she asked, "Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon".

surrender...

2008-11-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sadly, one of my dear cello students is moving back to Africa with her family. The other day I went to her house to play some duets with her for the last time and to say goodbye. Due to the fact that she can't take her cello (which she loves dearly)... it was a emotional and difficult moment, but to be honest, what I found even harder was watching her dad wind the clock on the wall for one of the last times and hearing the youngest member of the family pipe up... "Dad, will we be able to take the clock with us"... and hearing him quietly reply "no, honey".

Despite the pain of saying goodbye to a special student and friend. God has used this in my life as a awake of call. Since then, I have been doing a lot of thinking about what I would pack if I was told to pack everything I needed into 2 small suitcases. I first thought about the things in my room... my bed, pillows, clothes, teddy bear, books, cello, special letters/journals... I then spent some time thinking about the things I would leave behind and the things I might take. It saddens me to realize that I have fallen into the trap of materialism, looking at what I have and don't have, wondering how I can make life more convinant and how I can make myself more comfortable... instead of sacrifiacally giving and surrendering my ALL as God's commands.

Although I know surrending is a daily, moment by moment process... would I be willing to surrender and leave the comfort of a roof over my head, food on the table and clean water to drink... so that others may know Him? It is my prayer that NOTHING would hold me back from obeying my Lord!!!

Just a quick word to Miaake...

It has been so much fun to laugh with you, to teach you and to get to know you. You are a beautiful daughter of the King and He has blessed you with so many amazing gifts. I get goose bumps just thinking about how God is going to use you to change a nation and how you are going to be able to share the gifts God has given you with the dear Africain people. I will never forget the way you have sacrifically given up the things you love the most to serve God and to obey your father as he leads your family back to Africa. You will be greatly missed! I love you!

"And He saith to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him." Matthew 4:19,20

~jessica joy

The Battle is the Lord's

2008-11-01T10:30:00.000-06:00

"... thus says the Lord to you, Do not be afraid and do not bedismayed at the great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's." 2Chr. 20:15

My foes are mighty, my life they desire to kill.
I praise my Saviour. His strength is mightier still.

In deep distress I cry to God. He tells me "Daughter, do not fear."
"You're not alone... I will protect you. I am close and near."

"Remember daughter, this battle is not your to fight... it is mine."
"Trust My strength and power divine."

Through His grace, I will live in the victory He has won,
And continue running until the race is done.

By the grace of God, clothed in His armor I stand.
Living victoriously until the very end!

By: ME :)

My shots are ALL finished!!!

2008-10-27T21:05:00.001-06:00

This past weekend I recieved my last injection for my rabies. The treatment is now over... and I am feeling a lot better. In several months I have get a bunch of blood work done just to make sure there is enough of the rabies anitbodies still present in my body, but things are looking good. To whom God recieves ALL the praise, honour and glory!!! The nurse who gave me my last shot was so kind and sweet... through her kindness, love and gentleness God showed me a little more of who He is.

fall

2008-10-20T07:51:00.000-06:00

Fall is not death, it is LIFE!

For this to ring true... just think about all the new things that will bloom in the spring. Isn't life like that... everything has to go through this season and period of inner growth for the flowers to fragrantly blossom!

Satisfied!!!

2008-10-19T16:18:00.000-06:00

As the silent tears of my hurting heart long for comfort and sweet peace.
I turn to Jesus and my lonely turmoil finds release.
Allowing Him in the deep emptiness to fill,
He overflows it with love and peace be still.
I am truly satisfied as I rest in my Saviour's love.
And fully lean on my Father's strength from above.

(A short poem that I wrote earlier in the year.)

In EVERYthing give thanks!!!

2008-10-05T14:17:00.001-06:00

On Friday, I was in a fair amount of pain (a result of getting another injection for my rabies). As the evening progressed and as the pain heightened, I found myself complaining as I struggled to consentrate and comprehend everything .

"Why Lord, this is to hard... it hurts to much!" I cried as the pain travelled down my arm. Quitely, but distinctly my Saviour whispered to my heart and ears "Jessica, can you give me thanks for even this? Jessica, will you TRUST me?" I had to stop and once again, I chose to thank my Heavenly Father for His love and His faithfulness.

Today is Thanksgiving. I choose to THANK the Lord with a heart full of gratitude. His grace is truly sufficant and much more then I deserve!

The deeper the hurt... the more I understand who God is. God is faithful. For this I am truly GRATEFUL!!!

"The steadfast love of the Lord NEVER ceases; His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23

~gratifulness

jessica joy

God is always in control!

2008-10-05T14:04:00.000-06:00

God has always been in control, is always in control and will always be in control!

He knows my past, present and future and just like Job, He will never allow me to experience more then what His hand allows. Not only is He using each and every experience in my life to draw me closer to Him, but He is also using them as stepping stones to prepare me to fulfill His plan and will for my life. I choose to trust my Saviour's love!!!

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways." Psalm 139:1-3

In Christ Alone!

2008-09-30T10:02:00.000-06:00

This is a verse from one of my favourite worship songs...

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me.
From lifes first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand.
Til He returns and calls me home.
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand!

In Christ alone I put my trust,
And glory in the power of the cross.
In every victory let it be said of me...
In Christ ALONE my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song!

update

2008-09-27T13:28:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was back at the Doctors. Early Thursday evening... I received a phone call saying that ALL the vaccinations that I have been given for the rabies haven't been working, because they injected them wrong. Supposedly all the human antibodies they gave me last week on Saturday have held me over until now... but I needed the vaccine in my body immediately to take over and help my body produce its own antibodies to fight the rabies virus.

Yesterday morning, public health had to go around and search for more vaccine... after finding enough needles for a whole new series... they were able to send it express to my Dr and I was able to enjoy being shot again .

The nurse this time was really sweet. After dealing with so many different nurses and Drs and after the whole incident where the hospital messed up... it was so refreshing to have a kind nurse. She gave a me a hug and this time after needle number 8 this week I was even given some stickers

The whole incident has made me do a LOT of thinking. Rabies is fatal. People who get rabies if they go untreated die in about 1 month to a year. After being told that the all vaccination I have been given so far hasn't been working because of a mistake the hospital has made has made me really wonder.. if I were to die what I would be remembered for? From this day forward I am going to live today as though it may be my last. Choosing to live with eternity as my focus!

I would appreciate continued prayer.

~jess

Rabies!

2008-09-25T10:57:00.000-06:00

This past weekend which was supposed to be normal, turned out to be an adventure and a half -- that is to say it in a nice way!

Late on Friday night when I was sitting on the grass a bat bit me and I contracted rabies. Since then I have started treatment and rabies injections. It has been very painful and the side effects of the injections have been challenging.

To be honest... I have really grappled with trusting God with this. Knowing that God even cares about the little birds that fly has been a source of strength to me (Luke 12:6,7). He is working ALL things out for His honour and glory. He knows my times and my seasons and He has a purpose for EVERYTHING!

After being in the Emergency room 3 times on Saturday... I was able to do the gospel chalk talk in the evening. It was neat to see God work! Not only was I able to bless others, but God used the time there to refresh my weary heart and I came away greatly encouraged!

~jessica joy

chalk talk

2008-09-19T19:08:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow night I am doing a chalk talk with black light presentation. Please pray for me as a prepare for tomorrow and please pray for soft hearts. It is aways exciting to see God work!

~gratefulness,
jessica

my auditions!

2008-09-18T19:41:00.000-06:00

Not much to say about last night... except that nothing can compare to auditioning for a professional symphony. Thank you so much for all your prayers! God did some pretty amazing things last night! Although I won't know for several days who won the chair, I am pretty sure I didn't get the job (so don't get your hopes up)... despite that I know without any doubt that God had me there for a direct and divine appointment.

Several hours before I had to leave for my audition... I received a upsetting phone call from a member of the symphony. Basically, she was trying to scare me and deter me from doing the audition. As soon as I was able to get off the phone, a spirit of fear flooded over me... I was nervous enough as it was... but now I was paralyzed by this uncontrollable fear.

As I walked downstairs to our kitchen, this quite peace flooded over me as I heard Jesus say "... I have not given you a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 2:7) Wowsters! I am walking in the will of God, He has lead me this far... I have nothing to fear!

Several hours later, when I walked onto the beautiful granite entrance of the hall where my audition was being held... the first person who greeted me was no other then the lady who had given me that phone call earlier. My first thought was how in the world am I supposed to respond to her? But this supernatural strength and genuine love for this lady flooded over me and I went over to her and sincerly greeted her. As she reached over and gave me a hug... I heard the voice of God whisper in my ear "Jessica, I have not given you a spirit of fear, but I have given you love." I don't know how to explain it with words... but I was able to share Jesus' love last night.

God did many other things in my heart and performance last night... but if this was the only thing then IT WOULD'VE BEEN WORTH IT ALL!

~with love,
joy

a musicial "note"

2008-09-16T14:29:00.001-06:00

Please pray for me...
I just found out a few hours ago that my cello auditions for the symphony will be at 9:00pm (EST) tomorrow. This is the first time I have ever auditioned for a chair in a professional symphony orchestra. I am nervous... but I know that I am following God's will. Please pray for clarity of thought and musical skill.

"Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts." Psalm 33:3

JOY

2008-09-09T18:49:00.000-06:00

"Joy is simply perfect acquiescence in God's will, because the soul delights itself in God and in nothing else." Amy Carmichael

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Commit thy way unto the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4,5

Royal Teaparty

2008-09-08T09:33:00.001-06:00

The mother/daughter teaparty that I put on this past weekend went very well for which I praise and thank God! Truly it was only by His grace that things went so well. Seriously, when I first started to plan everything two weeks ago... I had no idea how much work it was going to be to coordinate everything from the food end, to setting up to taking done and getting ready for church the next day, to making sure the sessions and the intractive times were going to go smoothly. After several sleepless nights... things finally came together *smile*.

When all the little girls arrived dressed as little princess's they waited in the lobby with their mother's before we ushered them into the tea room. As they waited... you could feel the level of excitement and anticipation grow. Finally, after what seemed like hours to them, we opened the doors and formally welcomed them into the tearoom. It was so beautiful... 48 shiny, golden teacups on the tables, dimmed lights, candles, and Chopin playing in the background. As the little princess's and their mother's walked in, all you could hear were gasps of astonishment.

As the teaparty went on... we played games, ate dainty British food, drank specailty teas and talked about how we can become a true princess and how a true princess needs to "dress" and live.

It was truly beautiful to see God soften hearts and to see Him restore relationships. Lives were touched and changed as the girls understood that IN CHRIST they are true princess's!

"The Kings's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold." Psalm 45:13

~gratefulness
jessica joy

A True Princess!

2008-09-07T18:03:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time in a land far, far away there lived a generous King, a most loving and gentle King. Never before had anyone seen such a kind and just ruler. He was known for giving bread to the poor and for the way that He treated those under His care. Not everyone liked Him or appreciated Him though. Some thought He was too strict and some thought He was too kind to the “nobodies” in town. The King, truly loved and took good care of the people of His land.

In the middle of town, in a old run down bakery there lived a wise, and elderly grandmother and her beautiful granddaughter. Her granddaughter had long golden hair and big, huge blue eyes that seemed to speak right to the very center of your heart.

When the little girl whom we will name Elise, was only just a mere baby... her parents died. Ever since that time, her grandmother, treated her like her very own child. She taught her granddaughter all her ABC's, she fed her, showed her how to help in the bakery, sewed her clothes for her, and took her for walks in the forest, but most importantly though she taught her to love and respect the King.

Elise and her grandmother had so much fun together. As they worked together they would sing songs and laugh. One day Elise added too much yeast while making bread and the dough exploded over the whole room. She quickly called her grandmother in and as they looked at each other, giggles exploded from deep down inside. They did everything together... including delivering the breads and cakes that they made. They enjoyed many fun and delightful times together.

One day... however... Elise's grandmother fell ill. Elise, was so scared. She didn't have any money to call a Doctor and even if she did she wouldn't have any money to buy the medicine her dear grandmother might need. Brokenhearted she stood still with tears streaming down her face... watching as her grandmother struggled to take another breath. With a great amount of difficulty her grandmother whispered to her granddaughter... “Promise me no matter what the cost and no matter what others may say... Elise, learn to trust the King. I love you darling!” With that... Elise's grandmother breathed her last breath and died.

Elise found herself alone and sad. The only person in the world who loved her was now gone. As great big tears shook her small fragile frame... she silently wondered who was going to protect her and take care of her.

As the days flew past... Elise found herself in many different and strange places. She spent one night sleeping on a grate as she tried to stay warm and another in a old and abandoned doorway. Living on the streets as a beggar was the last thing she had ever imagined herself doing... but alas, it was so.

As hunger pains gnawed away inside of her tummy, she remembered the fun times she had making doughnuts with her grandmother and how her grandmother taught her what the letter “O” looked like... a doughnut of course! Memories of Christmas gingerbread filled her mind as she tried singing herself to sleep and thoughts about her grandmother quieted her anxious heart. No matter how hard she tried though to remember the spicy and sweet smells from the bakery... it never filled up the emptiness of her hungry tummy.

One day, with despair written over her face... she grabbed an apple from a nearby food stand. Hiding it quickly in the folds of her dress, she ran away. “That wasn't too hard and nobody saw me...” was her first and second thought. As the days accumulated one on top of the other and as she found hunger a daily part of her life, she continued to “borrow” food as she liked to call it. There were times that she felt guilty, but overall she said “I deserve it... it is mine. Finders keepers... losers... well, that is their problem to deal with.”

One day as the King was driving through His land (which was something He did quite frequently), He saw sadness and despair written on many faces in this particular town where Elise was living. He asked a trusted servant... “What is wrong? Why are all the people so sad?” His servant replied... “It has been a long and hard winter. Many people haven't had enough food and the people who have no homes have had a very difficult time.” When the King heard what the problem was, He was very grieved. As he looked over the market... His eye caught sight of a little girl with long dirty hair that still had a small tinge of yellow to it. She looked so thin and then all of a sudden He saw her reach out and grab a loaf of bread right off a baker's stand. As she hid it quickly in her worn out dress, no one noticed... except the King.

A few days later... shocking news travelled around the hills. The King has promised to adopt anybody who does not have a home. Not only was he going to give them bread and milk, but He was going to give them new clothes and call them His children. Many people scorned and and said “Sure... He is not for real”, while others said, “I don't believe it... nobody wants want me”. When the news reached Elise, she didn't know what to say. She had never known the King to tell a lie, but why would He want her. She was dirty and she had done bad things including “borrowing” others people stuff and taking food. Why would He, the King want her. As these questions filtered through her mind... all of a sudden she could hear her grandmother saying to her just before she died... “Promise me that you will trust the King!” Trust the King... that means that she needed to believe and act on what He said as truth.

Slowly... but surely she started to walk to the palace. As she got closer... her steps seemed to slow down. What would the King say... if He knew what she was really like. When she reached the front door... it suddenly opened and the King looked at her and said “Welcome my daughter!” As He kindly looked at her... Elise started to cry. “O King,” she sobbed... “you don't want me to be your daughter.” “Why not He replied”, knowing full well what she was going to say. “Because... I stole things and I haven't had a bath for months. I am dirty. I deserve to be thrown into prison.” He smiled gently and said “I know all about it”. The King then started to tell her about how He saw her steal the loaf of bread and how He personally paid the baker the debt that she owed. With a trembling voice, Elise confessed that she had stolen from other shopkeepers, as well. Much to her surprise the King assured Elise that He would pay all that she owed. It was so hard to believe that the Kind wanted to be her Father if only she would let Him. Elise looked up and saw kindness, genuine love and care. Quietly, she responded “You are wonderful, loving King... yes, I want to be your daughter!”

The King then took His royal robes and wrapped them about her shoulders. He took her and bought her new clothes fit for a princess and put a crown of pure gold on her head. He gave her the new name of daughter and they lived happily ever after. Elise, was a true princess!

Did you know that you and I are a lot like the little girl in this story and the King is a picture of our wonderful God. Just like it is hard to understand the love of the King in our story... it is even more amazing and awesome to think of God's love for us! Just like the little girl did many things wrong and was totally unworthy of being accepted and adopted as a child of the King. We are totally unworthy of God's love and being able to call Him our Father.

Each one of us have done wrong things. This is called sin. Sin is anything we say, do, think or say that displeases God. Sin separates us from God. God is Holy and perfect, therefore He must punish sin.

In God's Word the Bible, He says that punishment of sin is death, but God loves us (you and I) so much that He made a way so that we could live forever with Him in Heaven. God sent His only son Jesus to die and take our punishment. If we come to Him and confess with our mouth, and believe in our heart... He will forgive our sins. “But to all who did receive Him, who believed on His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

Now if you have already asked Jesus into your heart and received His free gift of salvation. Then you are a child of God. And as a child of God... then you are a TRUE PRINCESS... because God your Father, is the King of Kings!

by: jessica joy