CHRISTmas Miracle

          It was Thanksgiving 2003, we were laughing and sledding, and enjoying some nice family time. We finished the holiday by everyone sleeping by the fireside watching Whale Rider. A few days later we were headed to the cities to see my favorite band at the time, Jump 5, with (I believe) tickets I had won on the radio (I had seen them multiple times, and can't remember if this was that time). Before the concert we went out and ate, and before you knew it we were at the venue, and nothing could distract me from the performance on stage. As the concert was ending I found my parents before going upstairs to get autographs. They told me that D.J. wasn't feeling good and we should go, thinking he had food poisoning. Me being a twelve year old I had my rare bratty tween moment and went and got my autographs anyways, because I had pictures from the last meet and greet with them I wanted them to sign. I did feel bad for being a brat and thought my brother would be fine in a day or two.

       The following week of school D.J. missed most of the week, and the next week we were on our way to Palm Springs, California to see my cousin Kendall, & Grandma & Grandpa St. John. While there, my cousin and I saw "The Haunted Mansion" and danced outside the theatre. We also danced in the lobby while someone was playing the piano.  Another hotel guest gave each of us a golden dollar, we thought that was so cool! Even though I was having a great trip, it wasn't the same with my little brother not feeling well. We had assumed it was the flu, as the flu was really bad that year, but it was lasting too long. On our flight back he really didn't feel well.  Driving back to Duluth was bad too.

       I remember going to school the following day and at one point being told I would be going home with the Linde's our very good friends. I was excited to be hanging out at my friends house, but at the time I hoped my brother was going to be ok. I remember staying the night at our friends and finally getting to go to the hospital and see my brother. When I was there, we were told that he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor…I didn't fully understand it, but new it was bad and he could die…but I also felt as though it was all a dream. It's like I didn't want to believe this was really happening and what the different outcomes could be. I remember my parents had a decision to make, on where to have the surgery done. Many people from our church came and prayed for my brother and talked with my parents. After a lot of praying and discussing, my parents decided it would be best to go to the Mayo.

      The following day my brother and dad got airlifted to the Mayo as my mom and I drove down with Grandma St. John. I remember loading the car with most of our CHRISTmas gifts and some clothes, as we had no idea how long this visit would be. I remember it was dark when we left home, and we saw a beautiful shooting star on the way down. We hoped that was a little way of God telling us everything would be ok. We arrived late at night, and the next morning my parents met with the doctors, and after some tests preceded to tell us, that the doctors from back home had misdiagnosed D.J. and he really had a Giant Brain Aneurism. My families first reaction was that a Giant Brain Aneurism would be worse, because I had a friend from elementary school whose dad had died from an undetected aneurism that had burst. The doctors then told us that an aneurism was actually better than a Malignant Brain Tumor, as it isn't cancerous, and if they can get the aneurism now, it'll be gone and we won't have anything to worry about…if everything goes right and there are no side effects.

        While we were down there my dad's parents flew up from visiting other family in Arizona to be with us, and my mom's sister Mary Jean and her family came as well. My aunt Judith took care of all the hotel arrangements so we didn't have to worry about that at all, and we ended up getting a hotel right across from the hospital. I remember before my brother's surgery my cousin Blake, my brother and I were watching Spider-Man in his hospital room, just hanging out. My family was so great, as we were all so scared and constantly praying for my brother, but my family tried to make CHRISTmas as normal as possible as well, as I remember shopping a little bit, spending time at the hotel and more, instead of only being in the hospital.

        I remember the days leading up to the surgery I was really nervous and wondering what if the aneurism burst before my brother could have surgery. Before we knew it the morning of the surgery finally came…the date: December 22, 2013, my brother was 10 years old and about to embark on a brain surgery that I would wish on no one, and I didn't know if I'd ever see my brother alive again, if he'd ever be himself again, I didn't know what to expect, but to pray and surround myself with family. I remember that was a really long day, but I also remember playing games with my family to help pass the time. 

      At one point my mom and dad were back at the hotel room and my mom was going to shower, when she suddenly had the urge to pray, and she quickly went to my dad and they prayed for three specific things: 1. That God would send angels to surround my brother's bed and protect him. 2. That God would guide the surgeons hands. 3. That everything would turn out fine, and D.J. would come away without any permanent effects. They had told no one about that prayer. Later that day, my grandpa asked my parents if they had heard from Aunt Jeannie. They hadn't, so they asked about it. Aunt Jeannie had a vision that same day and in that vision she saw angels surrounding my brother protecting him. She saw God guiding the doctors hands, and she saw that everything would be ok. When my parents found that out, it was a complete God moment and peace came over them. After the surgery I remember hearing the doctors almost had to give up because they couldn't find this one vein or something, but they were able to, and I'm so thankful that they found it and didn't give up. 

      The surgery went on for about 9.5 hours, and then we had to play the waiting game. Would he be able to move, speak, etc. I remember only my parents saw him that night as he was bandaged heavily and his face was very swollen. I remember our friends, the Broman's, came at one point and brought my brother a basketball. They weren't able to see him yet, but we were thankful that they came and visited, and it's something I will always remember. By CHRISTmas day my brother was out of the ICU and in a pediatric room (I believe).  The hotel was gracious to let our family take over the lobby and use their tree as our own.  We put all our gift under it, and sang CHRISTmas carols, and opened gifts. We also had gifts for D.J. to open in his room.
     While visiting D.J.'s, Santa and an elf came room to room with gifts for the children in the hospital and even gave gifts to their siblings (see pictures below). So far so good with the recovery. D.J. could speak, move, walk and more. He was still weak, but getting stronger each day. We got home in time for New Years Eve.  We had our friends the Broman's and Johnson's over to bring in the New Year and it seemed like life was back to normal, yet D.J. was still weak and got to bed at a good time, but a little more of himself came out acting goofy with our friends.

      Recovery was going well and then he started getting sick again and we were worried. Well, it turned out to just be an allergic reaction from some medicine he was taking. That second half of the school year he did school at home, and was so excited when he got to visit at the end of the year. Before we knew it he was back playing basketball. He wore a helmet at first because his skull was still recovering. But before you knew it he'd have his one year check-up and he would just get better and better. Soon he was in high school playing basketball and he helped take his team to the state tournament his senior year, and now he just got back from a semester overseas in Europe as a college junior.

     Looking back I just want to thank my family for that CHRISTmas time as well. At the time, I just went along with the flow and was happy for whatever we were doing whether we were at the hospital or not. Ten years later, from the bottom of my heart I want to thank my family and friends for making CHRISTmas special for me with everything going on. You (my family) didn't have to go the extra mile as I was perfectly content, but I have seen instances where sibling will be forgotten and such when times like this happen. I will always remember going to Cheaper By the Dozen 2 on CHRISTmas Day with my aunt Mary Jean, and the manager coming in telling guests to move over if there was an empty seat by them so everyone could fit at this sold out show. I will always remember making CHRISTmas cookies in the fun lounge on the pediatric floor and singing songs together. You didn't have to do any of that for me, but I just want to thank you for what you did.

    This ThanksGiving D.j. was in Europe and I had come home, and we were at the table, and I realized this is how life could have been. It was just my mom, dad, and me. While having dinner I took some time to reflect on how thankful I am for my brother and his life, because if we had made slightly different decisions the outcome could have been very different and what I experienced this year could have been my 9th experience like this for ThanksGiving. And this coming week could be my 10th CHRISTmas without my little brother. I'm so glad God was with us every step of the way and continues to be with us. I just want to share a few pictures from 10 years ago as well as some pics throughout the las ten years! I will always thank God for His Son on CHRISTmas and also giving the gift of life to another son, and the best brother I could ever ask for. I don't know what my life would be without him, and am so glad I don't know what it would be like without him. I thank God so much for all He can do!

Play Ball!

Middle School D.j.                                                           Tubing…hands free!
                                       

                                                       High School Graduation!

Adventures in Europe!

One of my favorite oldies of us!

                                           

                                  This summer in awe of the Royal Promenade of our first Cruise!

                                  Playing around in the nice waters on the coast of St. Marteen!

Be the Change you wish to See in the World

         It's the time of the year where commercials, t.v. shows, movies and more focus a little more on family, lobe and giving...to an extent. The CHRISTmas movies leave you full of love, hope, and you are just filled with this warm, fuzzy, happy feeling. I am going to encourage the love and giving in this post, but want it to continue throughout the year, and not just in this season.

         Over Thanksgiving break I was listening to music and as I was getting ready having my "superstar" moments in the mirror (yes, you're never to old for dancing around using your hairbrush as your mic)- when I put the song "Change" by the beautiful and talented Carrie Underwood on, because it is so good and powerful and a great vocal song as well. A little later I was having a blast from the past and listening to some of my favorite songs from growing up and the song "Instead" by Stacie Orrico , which is just as powerful and touching as "Change". They both have the message of changing the "Be the Change you wish to see in the world"- by Ghandi.
     
  Now let's self-reflect. How many times have you seen a homeless person on the side of the road and didn't do a thing. How many times have you heard about Compassion International, World Vision or an organization similar to those on t.v. and ignored it or changed the channel. What about giving to salvation army? What about relief projects, specifically right now in the Philippines? Families of soldiers? Children in the foster care system? Those in nursing homes? Those in the hospital? What about those enslaved around the world and in our communities? Did you know there are more slaves today than any other time in history.  For more information check out The A21 Campaign at  http://www.thea21campaign.org/.
          This is something I personally want to grow and work on. I sponsor a little girl through Compassion but need to work on sending more letters, remembering to pray for my girl daily and more. I have also crossed countless numbers of homeless people and haven't done anything. I've given to some disaster's but not as much as I want to, so by no means am I pointing any fingers.
          Let's go back to the Bible, Matthew 25:40; 45 "...'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'....' Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'" What we do is a direct reflection of Christ. One thing that saddens me, is that many in America can't tell the difference between who is a Christian and who isn't. The word Christian, Jesus did not give us. The name Christian came from pagans to describe us followers of Christ, and it's just blown up since then. A Christian isn't clearly defined in the Bible and that's why there are "Christians" on polar sides of issues and doing things. The Bible does however tell how to be a follower of Christ, to live like Him. In fact, Jesus called his followers Disciples and that is clearly defined in the Bible. For more information on this check out the Christian Series by Andy Stanley here: http://yourmove.is/watch/christian/1/.
       We want to follow Christ. As the old hymn goes, "they'll know we are Christians by our love..." Let's take the homeless person we see on the street. The least we can do is pray for the person, but we can also do more. We may hesitate to give money because of the culture and world we live in today, and not knowing if people will spend it on what you hope they will. What about giving a gift card to a well known place, to provide a nice warm meal, or clothes, we could also invite them to dinner with us and share Jesus with them, and invite them to church. You could also carry care packages with you with basic necessities, that you can give to those in need. That way you aren't just giving money but you're making a practical difference. As for giving, you my think, I don't have a lot of money, I can't do it, or I can't make a difference...a little can go a long way and is better than nothing at all. I encourage you to talk to people at your church or school to get care packages together. I have friends whose church's have done this as well as my uncle's church. Then you have these packages, you can keep in your care and give out as needed. I think it's a great idea.
       I want to challenge you and myself to love others, every single one of us can make a difference. Also I challenge you to not only do this during the holiday season but just make it apart of life. Take this challenge this season but add it to your New Years Resolution as well. I want to leave you with this quote I saw on Pinterest, that fits this perfectly and is so true.
                "No-one has ever become poor by giving" 
                                           - Anne Frank
God Bless- Jalynn (Jessica Lynn)

ThanksGreeding

            Throughout the years, ThanksGiving has taken on the role and theme of thankfulness, but are we losing sight of that?
             Take a minute and reflect on your Thanksgiving celebration. Many spent time with families and loved ones around the table, eating turkey, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, going to a Thanksgiving Eve service at church, sharing thanks and more. That is all good, but then you turn around the next day (or now even the same day) and are pummeling each other  over trying to get things that you don't have and we become taken over with greed. No, I am not saying shopping on Black Friday is bad, I'm just saying to check. No, I am not saying shopping on Black Friday is bad, I'm just saying to check yourself and be conscious of the way you behave and act towards strangers and those you know. It saddens me to look on the news and hear of a death at Wal-Mart because a worker got trampled, and a shooting at a Kohl's because of shoplifting. How are those acts showing thanks? Plus, thanksgiving isn't something we should only focus on one day but continually.
            My mother and I just caught up on some awards shows the other night, and over Thanksgiving I thought about how it's the "one day" us regular Joe's get to have shout-outs of thanks on t.v., consciously choose to share thanks around the dinner table, just like when they receive their big awards on t.v. but they have to rush through their awards so fast that it doesn't always seem sincere. Do you rush around the dinner table saying thanks, so you can get onto the next activity or do you actually take time to share your thanks? It shouldn't be a quick few minute ordeal at the table, there is so much for each and every one of us to be thankful for no matter what your circumstances are, that it should take up a much larger part of your dinner table discussion. Yet we shouldn't just be thankful for a few minutes at the table and then forget about it or think about it periodically during the year.
           A good character quality is being thankful and content with what you have and giving genuine thanks. If you are thankful and content with what you have it will help make like easier and be more positive as you aren't constantly complaining of what you don't have or wanting what others do have. Your thankfulness can rub off on others as well and more will become more positive and focusing on the good and what we have rather than the opposite.
           Maybe you are going through the hardest trial in your life you have had to face so far, and maybe you are on the top of the world, or somewhere in-between. As a born-again Christian, wherever you are, wherever I am, we want to thank God in the good and the bad and the middle. We have so much to be thankful for. God created each one of us for a reason and a purpose and he has great things planned for every one of you. One of my favorite Christian artists recently tweeted this, and I wanted to leave it as a message to you: "If you're alive, God's not done with you yet"
           I challenge you and myself to thank God everyday for the day we have, the good things He is doing for you, even the challenges that He will help you through them, and thank Him that He is there for you and will never leave or forsake you. Make it a daily challenge to constantly be praising and thanking instead of once a year on a holiday that is being overshadowed by the greed of the holiday season, which is not the point of this season at all, the point is quite the opposite. ***More on the reason for the season in a later post as it gets a little closer to CHRISTmas.
         
  Verses to Ponder

           "...give THANKS in all circumstances ; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."                                                                          
                             - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
          "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, through prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God."
                              - Philippians 4:6
          "Give THANKS to the LORD for He is good, His love endures forever."
                              - Psalm 107:1

    Praise the Lord for everything HE has given you and Have a blessed day!
              - Jalynn

Salt & Light

             I have grown up in the church and became a born-again Christian at a young age and have learned and grown so much in my faith throughout the years. One passage I have learned about a countless number of times is when Jesus calls us to be salt and light in the world, but it wasn't until this past week that I feel I really understand it.
             "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
            You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

-       Matthew 5:13-15

            Before this week, I had pretty much only focused on the light part. As a child I learned the popular “This little light of mine” song, so I started to learn about shining God’s light when I was young, and countless more times throughout my life. But the part I seemed to forget or not dive into is the SALT.
            In a weekly Bible Study group for people around my age, we were discussing Salt & Light this past week. Here is what I learned or what finally clicked. Back in the day there were no refrigerators to store food and keep it good and fresh, but they would use salt to preserve it, so it would last. As followers of Christ we are the Salt of the Earth, which means we are to preserve the teachings of the Lord and share them with others so we can continue to keep spreading Christ’s love and message rather than not preserving it and letting what we believe wither and crumple.
            The part about light, I made some connections with as well. It talks about a city on a hill in the verse, but I never thought of how important that was. Years and years ago, the big cities and cities were generally built on a hill so others could see it from miles away, so it would be more difficult for bad guys to attach and more. If you were walking around or lost, there’s no way you would miss a city on a hill.
            What does this have to do with our lives? First off, God has called us to preserve His Word and His teachings. Which in a way means we need to continue to dig into His Word to learn from Him and His teachings, as well as communicating with Him daily through prayer. By learning His teachings and growing closer to Him, it will prepare us to be better lights.
            The world is looking at us and seeing what we do. When we aren’t actively being Salt & Light, we may easily blend in with everyone else. It may make those who don’t believe ask, “Why would I want to be a ‘Christian’ when they don’t act any different than me? They are exactly like everyone else. What’s so special?” Are we really being Salt and Light when we just blend in, or just go through the motions?
            Being Salt & Light isn’t just a noun given to us, but they are verbs, being Salt & Light is active and something we should constantly be doing. We shouldn’t be covering our light, but we should be letting it shine so bright that others want to know where it comes from, and what makes us different- a good kind of different. What makes us different or where the light comes from is the “Salt” part, and what we do with it, how we show it is the “Light” part. We want to put them together and set the world ablaze for Jesus.
            I was really inspired by what I had learned in my Bible Study, that the next day at work, I would say to myself “Salt & Light, Salt & Light” reminding me of what I am and what I should be doing.  In the study I also learned that we are each strategically placed wherever we are, and God can use us anywhere, even if we can’t explicitly discuss our faith.  I was discussing bullying and respecting others at work, and what I had to say came from my beliefs and what I have learned through the Bible without mentioning my faith, but was still able to be a positive influence. God can use each of us anywhere, even if we can’t flat out teach and use the Bible. God wants to use you.

            Here is my challenge: How have you been Salt & Light this last week? What are you going to do to be Salt & Light today? Tomorrow? The rest of the week? What changes are you going to make to actively be Salt & Light?

P.S. Here is a song, that I love about not hiding your SHINE (Light)! Enjoy!!!
                    Ready or Not (feat. Lecrae) - Britt Nicole

What Is Love?

                                                           What is Love?           

      

         Mom is scurrying around the kitchen making her wonderful crème brule French toast and quiche. Dad is outside shooting baskets with their two children. When the food is done cooking, she calls everyone in for dinner. The family sits down, says grace, and digs into the delicious food. At the table the family talks about each other’s day, and even plays the “would you rather…” game, filled with smiles and laughs.

         Taking time out of your busy day for a family meal together…that is Love.

        

         Jalynn’s best friend, Naomi, is sick and had to miss school. Jalynn tells the teacher that she’ll grab Naomi’s books and homework information, so Naomi doesn’t fall behind. Before Jalynn stops at Naomi’s house, Jalynn gets Naomi a little gift and brings her some warm chicken noodle soup and a Sprite. Jalynn surprises her best friend and offers to help with homework and stay awhile. Naomi thanks Jalynn for the soup, Sprite, and gifts. She also takes Jalynn up on helping with homework and staying awhile.

         Being there for a sick friend and helping out, when you don’t have to be…that is Love.

         On a beautiful summer day a gorgeous woman in white, gets escorted down the isle by her father, all the while, she has her eyes glued to a handsome man in a tux. Their hands embrace and they happily tell each other their vows; vows that put the other first in sickness and health. They say the two magic words “I Do”, and seal it with their first kiss as man and wife.

         The act of a man and woman becoming one through marriage…that is Love.

         A happily married man and woman, have been trying to have children for years but can’t. They decide they want to make their house a home. They start doing research on the Internet, through church, and friend inquiry. They decide on an agency and go through the long and thorough process. Then on a beautiful winter day, with snow glistening in the sun, the couple waits at the airport. Each minute feels as long as an hour as they count down the minutes of the plane’s arrival. Finally the plane rolls into its gate and a flood of people start rushing off to continue on with their lives. At the end of the line they see an agent holding an infant from South Korea. As the boy gets handed over to the married couple, they become a family and their house becomes a home.

         Adopting a child and taking him as your own…that is Love.

         A twenty-eight year old is surrounded by relatives and close friends as she holds onto his wedding ring in one hand, in the other she holds a Curious George stuffed animal. All the while, his life will never be the same, as he goes under the knife to remove a perfectly healthy kidney. In an operating room nearby the owner of the Curious George toy is waiting to receive a new kidney from the only perfect match they could find…his father

         Giving a kidney for the possibility of having a healthy child…that is Love.

         Tina is finally feeling that she has friends at her new high school, because she got invited to a party with the popular girls. When Tina asks her parents if she can go, they talk to her about the girls she is now friends with. They also discuss how excited their daughter is to be “popular”, but are old and wise enough to know that these girls are fake and probably up to no good. They tell Tina she can’t go. Tina is furious at first, but later found out that the “popular” crowd pretends to befriend someone just to make fun and humiliate them.

         Parent’s saying no to a party, they just know won’t end up good…that is Love.

         Lucy, a young single mom, was living paycheck to paycheck with her little child, trying to survive. She was trying to get them on their feet, but she couldn’t hold a job, because she kept getting fired because she’d run to her best friends alcohol and methamphetamine when life was too much to handle. She hit rock bottom and decided to give Teen Challenge a try, to give God another chance. She checked herself in, while her young son, went into foster care. After a hard, but successful recovery, she found a stable job, and found a place a small but good apartment for two. After, she had proved she was back on her feet; her little boy was able to return to her.

         Checking into rehab to get clean to make a better life for you and your child…that is Love.

        

         Melody is a high school student who loves the outdoors and looking at God’s beautiful creation. She believes it is important to take care of what God has given us. Every Monday morning she heads to school early and picks up the trash around the campus. Nobody is telling her to do this; she does it as an act of worship to God.

         Taking care of God’ creation because of your adoration for Him…that is Love.

        

         Just a boy, barely even eighteen, enlists himself in the army.  He had dreamed about being in the army ever since he was a little boy, as he wanted to defend his country that allows him to praise the name of the Lord without doing it in fear of losing one’s life, who gives him freedom to go to college, and choose his career instead of it being chosen for him. He wanted to fight for his country like his father did.  Little did he know this childhood fantasy of defending what he believed in and becoming a hero, would soon become a reality. As soon as he was done with basic training he was deployed to fight in the bloodiest World War of all time: World War II.

         Fighting for your country and possibly giving your life for it…that is Love.

         Violent whips breaking the skin, lash after lash. Thorns intruding into the head, with blood flowing fast. He was ordered to wear a robe, even as the blood dried and then was forced to take it off reopening the wounds. He dragged a large, heavy piece of tree uphill, after being beaten and flogged. He was mocked in the worst kind of ways. He was laid down only to have nails pounded through His hands and feet. Only to be placed vertically on a cross, with no water to drink, and it becoming harder and harder to breath. Taking the final breath and saying “It is finished.”

         Jesus died on the cross for YOU and me that we may live… that is TRUE LOVE.

Becoming Dependent on God - Challange

          So last year for CHRISTmas, my wonderful college roommate Taylor gave me the daily devotional book called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. To be transparent and honest with you, I wanted to do the daily devotional each day, but there have been times when I have missed days. Which basically means I need to have my priorities in the right place, and I challenge you to as well. I will say I have learned so much from doing this devo, and on Labor Day the devo made me think a lot and I decided to make a blog post on it.

          The title/first sentence of the devo read: LIVING IN DEPENDENCE ON ME is a glorious adventure.

          The verses for the day were: 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10; Acts 17:28; Colossians 2:6-7 and John 14:20.

          After reading the devo for this day, I couldn't help but think of the question: Why is it so hard to give our independence up and live dependently on Jesus?

          Now I want you to think about this, it isn't a hard concept to grasp or do. I have easily been dependent on my parents for most of my life, and yes, I'll admit, even a little too much at times. I ask them for things, I always know they will protect and take care of me, and they still do to an extent. It isn't the same as when I was younger, but I still trust them completely and know they'd never do anything to hurt me. But then, why is it so hard to fully depend on God? I mean it should be easier to depend on Him because of His love He has shown to us through Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, and the omnipotence He's shown us time and time again. He is all powerful and sinless, where us humans are imperfect and sinful. Because of our sin, our trust can easily be broken. So then, why are we scared to give ourselves fully over to God? Maybe it's because He is all powerful and anything can happen. Luke 18:27 says, " What is impossible with man is possible with God."- and that can be both comforting and terrifying. Putting your whole life in the hands of someone else can be scary because you don't know what they'll have you do. When you depend on your parents or other humans, you still have a lot of control yourself. I mean you're really completely dependent on your parents when you are an infant, and then you slowly grow more independent, but you're guided greatly through that long and slow transition. The only other time you may be fully dependent on others is when you are near death. Another thing to think about is that the people you depend on normally aren't going to have you do something that may seem impossible or improbable because they don't have the ability to do the impossible, but when God asks you or leads you to do something, you know it's possible, which can be paralyzing. Meaning you're too scared to move forward and don't want to go backwards, so you just sit. God has risen people from the dead, split the Red Sea in two, provided manna, He's made heroes out of the least of them, multiplies food, and has done many miracles. One miracle He has done that is really important to me, is healing my brother when he had a crucial surgery and the doctors almost gave up (full story in another post, coming in a few months).
          It may also be hard to become fully dependent on the Lord because you don't want to change. You like the way things are and don't want to be told what to do, what to give up etc. Maybe your priorities aren't straight and you are spending too much time idolizing different things, when God should be #1. When I say idolize, I don't necessarily mean a statue or a different religion, I mean what is most important in your life? Is it your job? social status? friends? sports? talents? celebrity gossip? your looks? your boyfriend? girlfriend? family? - and so much more. No, not all of those are bad, but if they are put before God, that isn't good. God should be #1 and other things should follow. Yes, yesterday I didn't have my priorities straight and ended up wasting time and skipping my devo. I need to prioritize daily and remember to put God first.
           One more reason why it may be hard to fully depend on God, is the pressure to live up to someone else's expectations. God is perfect and wants us to follow Him, yet we are not perfect. We need to accept that we aren't perfect, but not use that as an excuse to sin. We need to except that imperfection yet strive to be like Christ Jesus. God is also a God of mercy and grace, so we shouldn't worry about not living up to His expectations. He loves us and wants us to follow Him. He wants us to strive to be like Him, but we need to not be afraid to make a mistake, and become dependent on Him to lead us and guide us in His ways.
            All in all, there should be NO reason not to fully depend on God. My challenge for myself and you is to wake up each morning and commit your day to the Lord and fully depend on Him. Remember the W.W.J.D? bracelets? There were similar bracelets that read F.R.O.G. -> Fully Rely On God. That is my new challenge, to F.R.O.G. each and every second of each and every day.
          Should you choose to accept this challenge, welcome to the journey of your life. Remember Christ is in you and you are in Him! Together you make the perfect team! Enjoy the glorious adventure!
         - Jalynn

Two songs that go with today's blog are below:

Impossible - Newsboys  http://vimeo.com/56454863
Surrender- Joy Williams (now in The Civil Wars)                         https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/surrender/id268637604?i=268637709

Crossroads Corner Changed and Back!

Happy Labor Day!
 
        I originally started this as a Junior in college, and it was strictly going to be a music blog. I love music and want to share the wonderful powerful messages in the music. I also want to review secular music to share an opinion from a Christian perspective. Although I love music, I have realized there is much more I'd like to write about. I want to write about life in a sense. For example, I will have a blog posting later this week on the question: Why are we afraid of being fully dependent on God? I will blog about things I learn, there will be a few music blogs here and there, but basically it's going to be a blog about living a Christian life in the midst of a secular world. Which leads me to the blog's verse:

  "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will."
            - Romans 12:2 (NIV)

       That verse sums it up perfectly. Life is getting sucked out of us as we get pre-occupied with everything but God and we turn into these conformed beings that play follow the leader and don't think for themselves. A modern-day analogy would be to compare the conformed to zombies. They are walking around lifeless as everyone else. I want to live boldly and on fire for God. I want to help bring God's light and life back into this zombified world. Let's bring light and love back into the world and live fearlessly for Him. As stated earlier I love music, and have a few songs that would go with this perfectly, but the one I'm going to share has been a life-song since around 2005. 

        It is called "Anti-conformity by Krystal Meyers https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/anticonformity/id287407186?i=287407204

        Here is a lyric video of the song, I found on youtube =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWNQb4yQupo

             Hope your Labor Day has been great, let His light shine and be blessed!
                       Love,
                            Jalynn

P.S. - There will be more layout changes etc to come, as I'm new at this and learning all the time =)