God is SO good!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Thursday so far. 

I am!

You know why?  Because I woke up today with the most amazing feeling of God's love and I received a HUGE answer to prayer that I was desperately searching for.  The Lord has been at work in my heart and mind in recent weeks about taking steps in a new direction.  He has spoken to me about friendships, relationships, and myself.  God and I have "gotten real" with one another lately and I was in a crucial period of needing direct guidance and Godly answers. 

Welp, today.... it came!  I feel so good about what the Lord has directed me to do about the burdens He has laid on my heart and the convictions I've felt in my soul. 

There is nothing better than knowing He is in control and that with His control only good things are in store.  When I get myself caught in a strong current up "poop creek" without a paddle, it is usually because I felt like steering and trying to take control of my life.  And let's just say... I am nowhere near the perfectionist, wise man, and healer by grace that God is.  I get myself in trouble... He keeps me from it. 

All you need is love.  God's love.

I am so blessed to have friends with a strong Christian faith because they help me realize what is honest, pure, and good.  Like, Michelle, who has become one of my very best friends.  She reminded me of this verse found in Hebrews chapter 4. 

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

 Speaking of Michelle... please go visit her blog and wish her a HAPPY GRADUATION!  She and I are a lot alike... we struggle but push to overcome it.  She is such an inspiration to me!! A wonderful inspiration!

peace-&-love

-b-j-j-

God wins!

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells."

-Dr. Seuss-

Today started out much better than yesterday did.  And I know why!  I should never underestimate the power of PRAYER.

I spent a lot of time yesterday in solitude.  I got to think about all of the things that were bugging me and I was able to release a lot of those burdens by getting it all off of my chest and talking/blogging about it.  But most of my peace of mind that I am experiencing today comes from the time I spent in prayer and conversation with God.  I applied the things that I have been learning about Seeking God (the last 6 weeks at FBC Orlando have been about this) and spent a lot of time in reverant prayer - giving thanks, asking for wisdom, and listening for his answers. 

I just feel SO MUCH better when I know He is in control - why is it that I stumble and forget this sometimes?  I just don't understand why I try to control my life when I know life is so much lovelier when I let HIM control my life.  This is part of my diligent prayer - wisdom to remember that He brings PEACE and I... well I bring CHAOS!

So in regard to who has better control over my life - me or God...

God wins!!!

Duh.

Anyways...

I have a really exciting weekend planned and I just can't wait for it to get here.  I'm going out on the town in Winter Park to Wine Room tomorrow night, to the Orlando Chili Cook-Off (that benefits the Special Olympics) on Saturday, and to All Fired Up to paint!!!

I am in the mood to do something crafty today...

Any ideas on what to do?!?

peace and love

bai

images via

weheartit.com

Weekend Smiles

This weekend has been pretty slow-paced. 

Millie and I folded a little laundry...

I sat out in the sun and read my book,

Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane,

and fell in love with this quote that was on the title page...

 I thought it was a PERFECT one for me! ;)

I hung out with good friends last night...

we went to Will's Pub in Orlando to hear American Aquarium...

I finally got a chance to talk/catch up with their lead singer BJ

who is a groovy fellow and I spent some quality time

with friends Michelle, Adam, and Anthony.

 I woke up not feeling too hot & sexy this morning...

but I felt A LOT better after I had this mid-afternoon snack!!!

 If anyone hates on Funfetti cupcakes,

then they need to have a Funfetti cupcake w/purple icing & sprinkles!

And I for sure felt better after I snuggled up on the couch

with this little one and watched college basketball all day long!

 I found this little bundle at the Dollar $tore! And if you know me then

you know what I'm about to do with it - rock  those flowers in my hair!!!

 I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

I can't decide if I feel up for getting out tonight or

if I just want to take it easy at home! 

I'm excited about getting up tomorrow morning and going to worship with my Mom and Dad... it's one of my favorite things about being back at home. 

Mom usually has something tasty for us to eat at breakfast on Sunday mornings

and Dad puts on some good Southern Gospel music on the family stereo

and we run around getting put together in our 'Sunday Best.' 

It's a little thing about being home... the sounds of "The Old Rugged Cross" and

"Blessed Assurance" as I get ready to go to a place of worship to spend time with my Savior - who continues to bless me and provide for me, even when I feel like I do not deserve his overwhelming love.  It is during those times that I am reminded of what an awesome family-home I grew up in that serves the Lord and gives from their heart.  I wouldn't have it any other way!!! I am so fortunate!

Tomorrow night, I am going to go to STATUS with Savannah and hopefully

learn how I can get more involved, now that the hustle & bustle of the holidays are over and the new schedule of events for the Spring have begun!

What's everyone else been up to this weekend?!?

I'm hoping it's been fun & relaxing!!!

GOD BLESS.

peace&love

baily

LOVE THE LORD AND FOLLOW HIS PLAN FOR YOUR LIVES,

CLING TO HIM AND SERVE HIM ENTHUSIASTICALLY.

Joshua 22:5

He knows when I am lonely

I’m sure everyone, at one point or another, has felt the way that I do today.   Today I thought long and hard about the difference in feeling lonely and being alone.  You'd probably agree that these two things are very very different.  You see, I look at "lonely" as a feeling, not always a circumstance.  Because the most lonely I've ever been is not when I've been in isolation - sure, those are some pretty down and out days when I don't put myself around others and experience the joy of company and conversation.  But, what I mean is that the hardest type of loneliness is when you are surrounded by people but you don't feel like they understand you or you don't know how to portray what's in your mind and in your heart because you fear that they just won't get it.  And then there is the other kind of lonely when you have someone in your life that does "get you" but they remove themselves from you without much explanation.  Certainly not the explanation or compassion that you'd think a relationship filled with "I love you's" and "You're the best thing that ever happened to me" comments would deserve.  Today, I experienced both of these feelings of loneliness.  It's not my family's fault or my friends' fault that I feel lonely at times.  It is just part of us.  We are supposed to feel loneliness to a certain extent, in my opinion, so that we know the happiness that comes from others - like friends and family. 
My loneliness today didn't last for long, though.  Something really "God-sent" happened to me - which I know was a blessing for being so disciplined in my prayer and quiet times lately.  First of all, let me tell you something exremely weird - I haven't cried.  Someone I loved dearly and considered my best friend turned their back on what a wonderful relationship we had, and I haven't cried.  This is weird because I am a girl who FEELS.  I have super-emotions!!! I am a giver, a lover, a fighter, and I DO NOT believe in giving up on someone that you share so much with.  So for me not to cry, I am astounded (in a really good way) by my strength and dignity I have shown.  But, I still hurt on the inside.  I still wonder "why" and think "I never thought someone so gentle and that adored me SO much would just quit on me" but I somehow manage not to let it get me down or keep me down for long.  I turn to the one thing that will NEVER forsake me, never give up on me, and never ever ever let me down.  His promises are kept, no matter what and he never ignores me!!!

I am so glad I have a personal relationship with the Lord.  I'm free of worry and anxiety and sadness when I look into His Word and read the beautiful truth.  That there IS A PLAN FOR ME, there is a future for me, and there is a God who I can count on while I seek this plan and future. 

So, when I started feeling misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misjudged and when the feelings of lonely starting creeping in, I opened up my book case and grabbed a wonderful devotional, "Do You Know Who I Am?" by Angela Thomas.  I kid you not, I opened the book and turned right to this page...

It was an absolute reminder from the Lord that He knows my pains, He knows me weaknesses, He knows my heart's desires.  After I sat there and took a break from my 'project' I was working on and read this chapter that I just happened to open the book up to, I took in the awesome feeling of relief and felt so many worries just fade away.  I know that I will have lonely days.  I've experienced things in my life, like the fire, that few people will understand (and that's a good thing, I don't wish that upon anyone) and I know that life is an individualistic journey and we all are different - which can sometimes make for feelings of not fitting in, feeling left out, being rejected, being sad, and being misunderstood - but I also know that the Lord will not put any type of feelings, or any circumstance, or any tragedy in our lives without also giving us the strength and ability to handle it.  That's why I was meant to open the book up to page 111, Ch. 7 titled "Do You Know I Am Lonely? He is Here." 

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

By reading that and praying for God to help me with my loneliness, I was able to turn the pain and sadness of being lonely into a feeling of solitude. Solitude is a word intended to express the glory of being alone.  I enjoyed this quiet time... the silence, the stillness.  I was calmed... because I know He loves me, He cares for me, and He is always here. 



peace and love

baily

God will honor the woman who faces her

 loneliness and then decides to live with integrity.

Scriptured Inspiration

I've spent a lot of time in my Bible here lately.  It has always been my main source of hope, and it gives me uncomparable strength!

For two years I've battled some pretty tough fights with anxiety and depression, and it's been a struggle since my life changed with the fire in April.  But, I've also lived a very fruitful and blessed life when I was able to see past the gloom and smoke.  I have an unbreakable friendship with the Lord again and I can honestly say that I am refueled and rejuvenated every time I spend a few moments with God in the mornings.  My disciipline to have 'quiet time' everyday has definitely made a difference.  I am just a happier person these days... even when people try to break my spirit down.  I honestly think that because it is faithful to the Lord, and for the betterment of myself, no one can break this spirit of mine down. 

I continue to see the positives! 

Here are some verses that have kept my spirit up and my heart and soul full of faith!

God is great... He has provided for me and blessed me during a year full of downfalls. 

I continue on because of the promises I find in His word.

"HOPE WILL KEEP YOU HAPPY AND FULL OF PEACE."

-Romans 15:13

"IN MY DISTRESS I SCREAMED TO THE LORD FOR HIS HELP. AND HE HEARD ME FROM HEAVEN."

-Psalm 18:6

"Let me see your kindness to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for my prayer is sincere."

-Psalm 143:8

"BE HAPPY. GROW IN CHRIST.

LIVE IN HARMONY AND PEACE."

-II Corinthians 13:11

"Your spiritual strength comes as a gift from God."

-Hebrews 13:9

"GOD IS AT WORK WITHIN YOU."

-Philippians 2:13

 

all images via weheartit

peace and love

b a i l y

Romans (my favorite!) 13:8

In my devotional today, I randomly opened up to Week 32//Friday on page 196.  Haha.  Because, I always do that.  I told my Mom the other day there was 'not a chance' that I would ever actually go IN ORDER when doing a year-long devotional.  I mean, to have my attention for a few minutes daily is a chore enough, to get me to do it in order and step-by-step.... not going to happen!!

WAAAYYYY too A.D.D.!  I think I have entertained my Mom quite a bit the past couple of weeks as she has witnessed how profound my attention defecit can be at times!  It's definitely been a strange time in my life, but I'm just a baby bird with broken wings and her Momma is getting baby bird better.  Gosh, me and my analogies - especially the bird/freebird thing.  Haha.  Anyway, I just got veered off course talking about attention defecit disorder... (ya think!?) 

Back to my devotional... I loved the scripture and if you know me and my 'saving grace' (hint: the book of Romans) then you know this one is a very favorite of mine! Romans 13:8

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

I love this one right now in my life!  My parents are living examples of the most unconditionally loving people I may ever know.  I've lost some really close people to me here lately, in the past few months since everything began unraveling for me, but my family and best friends have remained warriors in their faith in me and without that belief they have in me and the hope I get from it, I wouldn't be able to fight my battles every single day. 

This verse just spoke to me in so many ways and made me realize what blessings I have around me and who take me in to make sure that I do what's best for me from here on out.  4

I love how God speaks to me every morning as I go about my quiet time with Him.  He has shown me so much in recent weeks and I continue to love the life He has given me because despite the turbulence it is blessed, indeed!!!

peace and love

baily

Church Shopping!!

This morning my parents and I visited First Baptist Orlando for the second weekend in a row.  We are in the process of looking for a new church home and we really love the Pastor, David Uth.  We keep finding ourselves reminding each other that each church is different - especially the music!!  Of course, I am the music-head of the family but we all know where our roots are no matter what genre we prefer nowadays.  Those roots are Southern Gospel and down home country.

So when the fancy, high-pitched voices start asingin' we have to start reminding! Haha.  Mom and Dad don't really like the fast-paced "rock 'n roll" services a.k.a. 'Contemporary Worship' and I don't really like the opera sounding stuff.  Our old church and the church we LOVE visiting with my sister and Tyler in Trussville have a perfect balance of the two - but we are finding that it is not always that way.

Nonetheless, the service was AWESOME.  It was titled 'When God Interrupts Your Life' and we learned about the Christmas story through the eyes of Joseph.  In real-world terms, when an angel tells your virgin fiance that she's carrying a baby who is God in the flesh, Joseph must have thought she was craaaazy.  I can only imagine that these days! Haha...

I really enjoyed the sermon, even though I was yawning and freezing the entire time.  I didn't get to finish my coffee this morning and Central Florida looked a lot like wintertime Alabama with the cold, grey, and rainy atmosphere that was provided this morning.  And apparently, the air conditioning in that place was set to the 4th of July, not Christmas.  SO COLD!

Tonight I am going to Status at Downtown Baptist Church with my good friend Savannah.  I just absolutely LOVE her and she has really reached out to me during my hard times.  It was definitely a 'God thing' to have run into her at the neighborhood grocery store last week.  I wasn't really in a high-spirited mood but running into her and being able to share my latest heartache with her was exactly what I needed.  And proving what a wonderful and Godly woman she is, she immediately text-messaged me and asked me to go with her to Status on Sunday nights.  I am so pumped - I definitely seek refuge in the Lord and the friends He has blessed me with.

I can't wait to share with you how much I enjoy Status!  This will be a great chance for some much-needed quality time with one of the best galfriends I've ever had!  (Thanks, Sav!)

Because of friends like her, and a family that wakes me up and goes with me to church, and a Lord that feeds me truth and wisdom - I can stand on my two feet with such a positive and healthy outlook on life.  And frankly, that's all I need!

peace and love

baily

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Hopefully the Word of God is something that brightens your day - like it does me.

I have been spending so much time in reading the Bible here in recent months. 

The Lord has definitely been at work in my heart, even though the tribulations I find myself in may seem to

lead people to believe that I bear no fruit.  I do, though.  My life is fruitful with many blessings from God.

As Christmas swings into full force I can't help but be filled with celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Maybe my trials & tribulations are there to remind me just how enormous God's love for me is.  

God came to this world as human in the flesh and lived a life full of love and without sin.

Knowing that, along with His unselfish death on the cross, is a testimony to my faith in Him.

And my faith in Him is exactly what has carried me through past trial and tribulation and what I cling to at this very moment.  I can feel God at work in my life and all around me. 

That is why my fears about everything else in life are subsided when I hand them over to Him.

Hebrews 13:8 is one of the most comforting verses, in my opinion.

It tells me that Jesus is the one man that will stay the same and always love me. 

No heartache, no abandonment, no anxiety and worry, and no changing.

Sounds like the perfect guy - huh?!?

The same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Full of FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE.

I am eager to tell you all about the work that the Lord is doing in my life.

I am very much clay, and He is very much the potter.

BUT FIRST...

Will you puh-lease leave your favorite Bible verse for me?

Pretty, pretty please???

peace AND love

baily jordan

To others the Spirit has given great faith or the power to heal the sick or the power to work mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognize when God's Spirit is present.

- 1 Corinthians 12:9-10a



random thoughts

Here are a few things on my mind:

I got to drive a Hyundai Sonata around town the past couple of days while my friends in the service department fixed buster.  I actually really loved driving this car!  It brought me back to the good ol' days when I thought I owned those Florida and Alabama roads in my Honda Accord Coupe.  I loooved that little black car.  I think I just might be a car girl, at least until I can afford to drive some sweet Yukon or Jeep Commander.  Maybe one day! 

I'm going absolutely haywire with an excessive intake of this stuff since it is cold, rainy, and lonely here this week. 

Mexican Hot Chocolate! Yummy :)

and for those of you who aren't sure... Abuelita means Grandmother. 

(I have the best abuelitas in the world: Mamaw and Nana)

I'm beginning to get anxious, as much as I have tried to subside it, about where I am going to be in the near future, far future, and all the inbetweens.  I am fortunate for everything I have learned so far, and I am ready to learn the many things that await me somewhere else.  I have a good idea about who I am going to share this next part of my journey with and that alone is an incredible peace of mind.  I consider it one of the richest blessings because it makes the uncertainty of a lot of things okay to handle.  So, again - like I always say, thanks to the family and friends and the extraordinary love that I have found with my new best friend because without them nothing is really possible and I stand firm in that belief always.

I was a pretty good vet earlier today!  I guessed right (well my iGoogle homepage helped me out) but we are going to get little Millie taken care of and back to feeling better.  Bless her heart, she was such a doll in the vet clinic.  Here are a couple of pics!



She's going to be ok!

I hope everyone has a good night, stays out of the rain, and stays warm - I have a feeling that the Alabama winter is creeping in!

Ready for Florida.... my home sweet home.

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those that love Him.

peace and love

baily