Making It Personal

Hello, Friends and Family.  Many of you are celebrating or reflecting on this day as it is Mother's Day.  I am happy to report that my two sons have both acknowledged this day and were very sincere.  These two young men have truly made me "Happy" this day as I reflect on my life with them.  Today the challenges and hardships sometimes experienced are a distant memory as I choose to remember the blessings they have been to me.  I am thankful for my husband who fathered my sons and continues to support me well as their mother and his wife.

I have a desire once again to share my life with you as I use this blog as a diary of sorts.  I am hopeful that it may stir up some thoughts or that you may find it encouraging at some point.  I had wanted to start up the blog again earlier this year but my health and life's "busyness" got in the way. How sad because I need this blog more than anyone. 

Today I will not be sharing a big story or event in my life.  I want to explain about my attitude and the focus of sharing my life.  I want to state that this blog will not be a means to brag, nor lift myself up, nor have a selfish, self centered focus.  Some may want to judge me this way but I know my heart.  It is filled with praise and gratitude for what Jesus is doing and allowing in my life.  I cannot contain it.  I just have to share or I will shout it from the housetops.  After reading today's post, you may not feel compelled to read my blog.  It just depends on your comfort level.

I want to talk about the very name of "Jesus".  It makes many people uncomfortable.  If one uses it in a conversation to a non-Christian, the the non-Christian may cringe or think to themselves that you are "religious" or a "fanatic".  Some Christians and Non-Christians may judge you as self-righteous, thinking who is she to talk to Jesus or call herself a "Jesus Girl".  Those "some" feel more comfortable with the word "God".  "God loves you" or "God is good" sounds much better than "Jesus" to them....Really??   I find myself saying "Father God" because I find it less generic when I pray or reference God. 

Friends, I love Jesus.  I am not a perfect person, an ordained person, "holy" person, nor "better than thou", but I do have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  I am part of His church and I am part of a spiritual family.  I will flop, fail and disappoint you at times.  I will have you cheering and laughing sometimes.  Regardless, it is my hope that I can use wisdom, seek His guidance and be obedient in the sharing of my life and the lessons I learn.  I will be using the name "Jesus" often in this blog.  Please don't judge me nor label me.  I am not afraid of having a reputation posed by others but I am fearful of not acknowledging the person my life is dependent upon.

The devotion I read today was from the book Diamonds in the Dust by Joni Eareckson Tada.  It captured my attention as she wrote about being "personal" about Jesus.  Part of the entry read...

Yet, when we affirm Christ as our personal Savior, we often talk more about Christianity than about Jesus. We distance ourselves from our Lord, relating to Him in detached and objective terms.  Describing Jesus becomes an exercise in discussing the "Christian experience," or "the Christian walk."  We are more relaxed talking over doctrines and church traditions rather than about Christ as a person."  I find this to be true.  I don't want to put Jesus in the distance.  He is personal to me. 

Tomorrow I hope to share about a miracle done in my life, yet I still have questions that I choose not to ponder.  I will not ask them nor dwell on them, because I am so grateful and I can live with the "whys".  I want to leave you with a sweet little moment in my life. 

Yesterday, I took Jayden to buy a present and get ice cream for her birthday.  She told me she wanted a diamond necklace that she saw at Belks.  Belks is nice department store here in the south.  When we got there she picked up a sterling silver necklace with a heart and white topaz gem (a diamond to her).  It was $80 but would be discounted at the register.  She ended up choosing a less expensive necklace for $50 so she could buy shoes too.  We purchased the necklace and some bright, wild ballerina type shoes that she just had to have.  We drove to her favorite ice cream store where she purchased a scoop each of her favorite ice creams and was happy she didn't have to choose just one.  One the way home, she said "Nana, I am so happy.  I prayed that I would have a good birthday and it happened." 

Jesus truly is personal.  He answered the prayer of a 8 year old's heart.  He has work for us to do and a purpose for our lives but He wants us to enjoy our lives.  He does bless us with the desires of our hearts.  Make Him Lord of your life.  Surrender yourself to Him.  Have faith that He will give your strength and ability to accomplish His will.  Yet, don't forget to allow Joy to reflect in your life.  Wear the smile of a little girl whose prayers were answered.