What's Your Choice?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)

"I have some news! I'm going to Christian Communicators!" My heart sank. It sank with disappointment, questions and all-out pity parties. Yes, I was happy for my dear friend Nan. I was thrilled. But at the same time, I wonder what I had or hadn't done. After all, we'd both applied for the last 6 years...and she was the one chosen. Once I was able to pull myself together through prayer and also through her sweet words of encouragement, it hit me. I had a choice. I had a choice to either trust God, or I had the choice to give up and say forget it. What was I going to choose? Ultimately, I chose to trust. I realized, with her help, that in God's perfect time I'd get there. So, I ask you the same question I had to ponder. What will your choice be? Will you trust, or will you give in to Satan's lies and accusations?

Father, help us to trust in the good and not-so-good times. Help us, even when it's the last thing we want to do. In Jesus name, Amen.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
(Proverbs 18:24, NKJV)

I have a dear friend by the name of Nan Jones. Our story of the way we started communicating was nothing more than a God-thing. I'd sent one email to her asking a question about writing. I really didn't expect a response from her because she was a writer and speaker. I thought she'd be too busy to answer an email from me, especially not knowing me. Sometimes, we think Jesus is that way. We think He's too busy for little 'ole me. This verse tells us that He sticks closer than any friend or brother. I know that Nan loves me and I know she encourages me, but at the same time, even she can't take the place of the sweet encouragement that the Lord gives. She loves me, but He loves me even more than she ever can no matter how hard she tried. Sweet sisters, if you're in search of a friend today, let me encourage you to run to the greatest friend you'll ever have!

Father, thank You for the friends you've blessed us with. More than that Lord, we thank You for the greatest friend, Jesus. Lord we love and praise You. Amen.

God's Amazing Plan

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV)

The excitement in the room was palpable. You could've heard a pin drop as we all awaited the news. And then it happened! The winner is...Nan Jones! My friend Nan had just won a publishing contract! Her dream had come true. I'm sure she didn't know this was God's plan for her life. But you know what? He knew it would be her time to be published on Febuary 2nd, 2013 even before her birth. Ladies, let me tell you God has some awesome plans for you. What are the plans you've been waiting to come to fruition in your life?

Father, thank You for always knowing the plans for our lives. Lord I praise You for even when we can't see it, you're the master planner. You know our future. Lord we love You and we praise You. In Jesus Name, amen. 

Friday Friends - Nan Jones

Nan Jones

It's my honor to introduce to you my dear friend, Nan Jones. Nan and I met through Vonda Skelton's Blog, The Christian Writers Den, just over 2 years ago. In that short time, Nan has taught me what it means to trust in God...not just say it with my mouth but actually believe it in my heart. I pray that through Nan's words, you'll be truly encouraged. 

Welcome, Nan!

1. Tell us a little about your family and growing up years.

Most of my growing up years took place in Charlotte, NC.  I have a brother, six years older, who is now deceased. I loved having an older brother to look up to and to pester. I was blessed with a solid home life that revolved around the church. With each passing day, I am more and more thankful for this blessing. After many years of ministry I see the devastating effects of homes without a strong biblical foundation. It breaks my heart.

2. When did you know God was calling you to write?

I have written all my life, but more as a hobby in earlier years. In 1992 I was in a ladies' conference in Tulsa, Ok. During a time of worship, with my hands outstretched in surrender to a loving God, I heard His gentle whisper, Nan, look about you. Many are hurting and need my assurance and hope. I have gifted you and I have given you a message to share. Don't worry about the timing. Only follow Me each step of the way. Eighteen years later I launched Jubilant Light Ministries, a writing/speaking ministry to encourage Christians struggling with their faith.

3. Who is a person that is making a strong impact on your life and why?

Many names come to mind, but if I have to choose one for this moment in time I would say my friend Debbie Welch. Debbie is battling stage 3 lymphoma and multiple myeloma of the blood. Even though her battle is fierce, her faith is strong. Regardless of her own pain, she continues to think of others and give God the glory. Debbie is exhibiting authentic faith, not religious rhetoric. She privately shares her struggles and fears, and yet the bottom line is that she belongs to the Lord and trusts Him completely. She inspires me to fight the good fight of faith.

4. What is your life verse?

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, ' Therefore I hope in Him!'" ~ Lamentations 3:22-24

5. Other than Jesus, what bible hero would you like to talk to?

Abraham

6. What in-depth bible study would you recommend to my readers?

A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place, by Beth Moore

7. Tell us how you came to a saving relationship with Christ?

I am the wife of a Baptist pastor, but I was raised in the Methodist church. My senior year in high school, a youth lay-witness team came to our church for a weekend. I had never seen people so in love with God. These teenagers were different. They were alive and had purpose in their lives. On the final afternoon - December 10, 1972 - I knelt at the altar and gave my life to Christ. I have never been the same.

8. Please give a word of encouragement and hope to my readers who may be struggling today.

If I can share anything it would be that God is able to perform His Word and He is faithful to do so. Faithful! Dare to believe Him. Step out in faith as He directs you - as He leads you  by the hand. I have learned that God really is with me always. It is in Him that I live, and move, and have my being. In Him! Surrounded and immersed in His Presence. In Him I find my purpose, my peace, my protection and provision. And, in Him, I fully realize His faithfulness.

Nan lives in North Carolina with her husband, David. She blogs at MorningGloryLights.blogspot.com

He's Always There

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5, New King James Version)

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm here for you always." Those were the words  that Nan spoke to me in an email for the millionth time. You see, the weekend before we'd been together constantly. When it was time for us to go our separate ways, the enemy started throwing my past up at me. "It's happened before, she's the same way. You'll be treated the same, don't listen to her." In my heart I knew Nan wasn't going anywhere, but my head was a jumble of thoughts and accusations from the enemy. Sometimes, it's the same way with God. Our heart knws He'll never leave nor forsake us, but in our head...well, it's a different story. Our heart says, "Lord I know you're there" but our head says, "I'm all alone." Let me tell you ladies, that's not true. We're not alone. I know Nan isn't going anywhere; I know our friendship is lifelong. More than that though, I know that God isn't leaving my side. Nan may fail me, but He never will! Do you need to be reassured of His nearness to you? Let me encourage you to do what I do. When my head tries to be filled with the thoughts of being left alone, outloud I say "no!!!!!!!"

Father, thank You for your constant reassurance of being there for us. Thank You that we don't have to ever wonder if You're with us, because you will be there for us always. Lord please show my friends that You'll never leave them. Lord, we love You and we praise You. Amen.

Are You in Need of a Friend?

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
(Proverbs 18:24, New King James Version)

I have a dear friend by the name of Nan Jones. Our story of the way we started communicating was nothing more than a God-thing. I'd sent one email to her asking a question about writing. I really didn't expect a response from her because she was a writer and speaker. I thought she'd be too busy to answer an email from me, especially not knowing me. Sometimes, we think Jesus is that way. We think He's too busy for little 'ole me. This verse tells us that He sticks closer than any friend or brother. I know that Nan loves me and I know she encourages me, but at the same time, even she can't take the place of the sweet encouragement that the Lord gives. She loves me, but He loves me even more than she ever can no matter how hard she tried. Sweet sisters, if you're in search of a friend today, let me encourage you to run to the greatest friend you'll ever have!