Lessons on Listening, and the Unexpected

Yesterday I started out like I normally do. I had swapped work days with another girl so I could attend a cookie swap on Monday(soon to be another post). My little job is fun, I meet a lot of people and it has been a lot of fun to help folks this Christmas season.

Late yesterday a young man named Freddy came in the shop asking to use the phone. He had just been released from jail and needed a ride to get home. I found myself not being alarmed at all, but he needed to make a long distance call, so I did not feel I could let him use the business phone. A still small voice seemed to be saying, "but you have a cell phone w/ unlimited long distance" "this is an opportunity, so I let him use it. He needed to get back to the Atlanta area about 3 hours away, but we have no public transportation running from here to there. This brief encounter turned into almost 2 hours of trying to help him.

While trying to get him help, it was suggested to me that he might be scamming me, I should call the law and get him to move on, I shouldn't bother with him, etc., and I was unable to get anyone to help. I am sure now that God was all the while nudging me to help him.

The sheriffs department did come by, and verified that he was telling the truth. One of the officer had escorted him to his court hearing that day, but they asked him to move on, and he left without there being any solution to a way home for him. It had begun to rain when I got off work, but I still had concern for him. You see except for the grace of God, that young man could be my son.

I went home and continued to think about the young man. My husband was working, but knew what was happening and continued to check in on me. A few minutes later I realized my cell phone had all of the numbers that he had called, so I began calling, and ended up talking with his mother. She was concerned, and still had not been able to get him a way home, but knew that he was headed to Wal-Mart. I let her know that I would try to find him, get him some dinner and go from there.

I knew that I could try to find him, buy him a meal at McDonalds(inside Wal-Mart) and see if I could share the love of Jesus with him. As I was pulling into the parking lot, my cell was ringing and it was him. He said his mother had told him that I was looking for him, and he would wait at McDonalds for me. (an employee had let him use his cell phone).

I purchased his meal, and sat down with a drink and talked with him while he ate. By the time I had gotten there, he had been able to get in touch with his brother-in-law, who would be picking him up.
We talked, and from what I could tell, he professed to know the Lord, and knew that we are sinners saved by Jesus' death on the cross. I encouraged him to seek after the Lord, and that I would be praying for him.

At the end of the conversation before I left, he said that he never got my name, and I said Jackie, to which he replied, "that's my Mama's name." Right there, I knew that this encounter was God ordained. I spoke with his mother this morning and he made it home safely.

I in no way want to share this to pat myself on the back, but to encourage you to slow down and listen to the still small voice that may be speaking to you. What better way to spend this Christmas season sharing the love of Jesus in a most unexpected way.

Have a blessed remainder of the week.

My girl was home this weekend for another shower. Here she is with 26 days until her due date. We had so much fun!Three of our friend hosted a drop in shower for friends from church. All I can say is,

She was Blessed!

Pretty table, beautiful flowers, and some delicious food! The hostesses really outdid themselves. After these couple of pictures, I just forgot about the camera. We had so much fun visiting with friends and church family. Needless to say, with the blessings of friends and relatives, they are ready for this little fella to come. We had some marathon sewing going on this weekend, and I finished the bumper pads, even after sewing the needle through my finger. Ouch! She is picking up a few last minute necessities when she visits the doctor on Tuesday. She seems to think he might be early, and she had me a little nervous this weekend. She says she needs one more week of nesting to have everything spic and span for the baby. She has been in a major nesting mode for quite some time, so it makes me wonder if he will be early.

Here's a look at the pretty table.

His due date is September 24th for those who have asked.

God has truly shown his faithfulness throughout this pregnancy. Her health has been good, and God has already provided all they have needed. This has been one more opportunity to trust God when circumstances are not what we thought they would be.

God is good and He has blessed abundantly!

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus"

Philippians 4:19

My Cup Is Filled

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the ladies conference, "Womanhood: What Am I Missing?" at Southern Evangelical Seminary, Charlotte, NC. The topics included were for women of every walk in life, whether single, married, young mothers or an empty nester like me. The best way to sum it up is that, It encouraged and challenged us for the times in which we live. We laughed and enjoyed each other's company, but most of all we were challenged to live godly lives as a woman of God, in a culture that encourages us to do just the opposite.

My accomodations were the best! One of my very best friends is Dean to Women at the seminary, and I stayed with her. It is not often that we get to see each other, but we seem to pick up right where we left off, as if we have never been apart. I hope you are blessed with at least one friend like this. Did I mention that her husband cooked breakfast for us both mornings? One great guy! We did a lot of catching up, but most of all I was encouraged not only by their love and hospitality to me, but the love they both have for the Lord, and for people. How many people do you know that, at the age of 50 will quit their job, move from a house that they designed and built, had just completed a beautiful remodel, to return to school to get their Masters Degree in Christianity, and dedicate themselves to teaching others to defend the faith, always desiring to share the gospel with those around them?

Go here  to see all that they are involved in, to reach the world for Christ.

God always knows what we need, when we need it, and this was just what I needed. I am refreshed, challenged and encouraged to dig deeper. I challenge you to encourage someone with the love of Christ this week.

Jackie

BORING?

YES, I am still here.

YES, I do realize my blog has been pretty Boring lately!

 YES, my life is pretty ordinary these days.

Yesterday it was far too beautiful to be inside, in front of a computer screen, or even doing the much needed housework! This view was much better, and  I did get my 5 blueberry bushes planted. The weather here has been absolutely beautiful!

Tonight was a great evening to watch a ballgame.

 

My nephew plays college ball. When they play at home, it is about a 45 minute drive for me.

 He pitches and it has been a tough season, so I want to be there to support him whether he plays or not.

 I also got a nice surprise! I was not expecting my sister to be there, but she made the drive with her husband, because he had said he might be pitching tonight, and she didn't want to miss it.  He did, and they won with a homer in the bottom of the 9th!

Just a few of the little things God has blessed me with. What are some of the ways He  has blessed you this week?

Jackie

Spring Decorating

I am so thankful that God is adding some touches of spring beauty here and there.

He does a much better job than I can any day!

Don't you just love a fresh touch of green?

And these make a beautiful arrangement!

Have a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend! I will be spending some more time reflecting on so much more that He has done for me! Jackie

Counting My Blessings

I was just reminded of what a blessed Mom I am. My son called to say he was sitting around thinking about me, and a little bummed out because he only made an A and a B for 7 hours of college credit in a little over 5 weeks. Great!!!!!! He wanted the two A's. My daughter called at the same time to ask if the paint would be ok if she didn't get every speck of old paint off the bead board that she is sanding in the house they just bought. My comment of course was :
It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful!