When I moved to North Carolina, I soon found out that there were several reasons God brought me here. Among those reasons were: to develop a closer relationship with Him, get away from distractions so I could hear Him more clearly, to learn more so I could begin new work in the Kingdom, and to prepare for my future husband. Those are some of the reasons I’m here now.

This is the first time I’ve been without a mate since I started dating (at 17). Of course, I now know the Biblical reason for dating, and it’s nothing like what most people think of today. I do understand exactly why I’m in this position. After two marriages, God figured this time, He’ll do the choosing and I’m so happy about that because I know it’ll be good. God always gives us His best.

I’ve had to learn to be content in my singleness before I can become a good wife. I’ve had to learn that, although I can come and go as I please . . . when and where I please . . . I can’t do that when married. Most importantly, I’ve learned what a real Christian husband looks like and I cannot settle for less. I know that I don’t need anyone to “complete” me because God did not create me “half-way.” I am already whole. I also had to learn who I am in Christ.

It’s been a four-year journey and I’m still traveling on this road. I’ve been tested along the way by men I knew, almost immediately, were not the right one. I don’t have any idea when, where or who, but I do know it will happen. I also know that I won’t be out looking for him. He’s going to be like Boaz and he’ll see me working in the Kingdom, doing what I do, and he’ll ask somebody, “Who is that woman?”

For those of you (us) who are single, just know that God is preparing you and your mate for the time when you will meet. Don’t rush the process . . . make a move to enjoy the journey and learn as much as you can along the way.

© 2010 Francina Johnson-Jamison

Everything is not going to go the way we like it. The best laid plans don’t always work out the way we thought they would. Something comes up from way out in left field somewhere that you never even expected, yet it has to be handled. All of this is called “Life” and it happens to all of us.

Some things have come up in my own life that caught me so off-guard that I thought about selling and giving away all and moving back to Maryland. That thought didn’t last very long. God reeled me in and reminded me that He has a purpose for me right where I am. He also told me the “life” that’s happening is going to be handled just as all of “life” has been handled up to now. He has always been right here for me and this time is no different. He reminded me of that again during my time with Him this morning.

Today, I choose to take my own advice and “keep it movin’!” Just because life happens doesn’t mean we have to shut down and stand still. It doesn’t mean defeat and it doesn’t mean destruction. It merely means we have to look closely at what’s going on, ask God to help and get out of His way so He can do that. That’s why we keep it movin’! If we’re standing still, we’re not only in God’s way, we’re in our own way.

Make a move to get out of the way and keep it movin’!

© 2010 Francina Johnson-Jamison

Last night’s Bible study was awesome, as usual. Pastor Thomas talked about Peter out in the boat and Jesus telling him to “Come.” He described how Peter took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink into the water but Jesus didn’t do anything to jump and run to Peter’s rescue. Jesus didn’t move until Peter cried, “Save me.” Jesus didn’t move until He was asked to help.

This is what we sometimes neglect to do. We just mosey on through life as if we can do it all and take care of everything. When things don’t “happen,” we are likely to simply give up and walk away. That’s not what God wants. Many times, we’re so busy asking God to help other people we don’t even ask Him to help us. I know I’m guilty of that one, for sure.

There is, however, another ingredient to the “just ask.” You must have a relationship with God. He’s not likely to just grant your request simply because you ask, yet you don’t spend any time with Him. That is the first requirement,

There was one particular thing I have been concerned about in my life that used to be going so well and suddenly things changed. Rather than ask God about it and requesting that He help me get it back on track, I just let it slip away. This morning in my prayer time, I asked for help and He answered me almost immediately! Praise God! He told me to go to a particular place in the Bible and I found the answer. God knows I need things made very clear to me and this couldn’t have been any more clear. For this, and so much more, I am so very grateful.

Make a move to ask God to help you. However, ask yourself a question first … Do you have a relationship with Him?

© 2010 Francina Johnson-Jamison

Everything in life is not going to be easy. Life wasn’t designed that way. As the Bible states, “With God, all things are possible.” What we have to do is be sure to put God in it and carry Him with us.

The message this morning is quite simple: If you want to have less stress and more success in your life, be sure to include God in ALL matters that concern you. Try putting Him “in the mix” at the onset, rather than waiting until the stuff hits the fan and then call on Him to help you get out of a jam.

Make a move to start every day with God. It’ll make your life a bit easier. I’m not saying you won’t have problems because, trust me, you will. However, with God, they’ll be easier to handle and you’ll be able to press through the madness with a little less drama and trouble. Try it!

By the way, I hope you did something nice for your own enjoyment this past weekend as I suggested last week. I’ve received a few emails from people who did and they’re glad they did it. How about you?

© 2010 Francina Johnson-Jamison

When I started sending these messages, they were sent only to women. Somewhere through the years, men have seen them and wanted to receive them as well. I used to send out periodic, weekend challenges to the group to do something fun and exciting just for yourself over the weekend, sometimes sharing those events with me. I haven’t done it in a while and I think we’ll do that for this weekend. Plan to do something that you enjoy. It doesn’t have to include others, but that is definitely a good thing, too.

The guys may want to go fishing, play a round of golf, go to a baseball game (major or minor league), or just get together with some friends. The ladies may want to plan a spa day or get together with some girlfriends and enjoy a day at the movies and have lunch/dinner. As a family, there are so many things to do. One thing I always enjoy is just prepare a picnic lunch (doesn’t have to be anything fancy) and go to a park or lake and enjoy the day. You could also pack that picnic lunch and go to a beach. Hopefully, wherever you are, there’s probably a beach within a few hours where you can go early and come back the same day. I think a lot of people in this area are so accustomed to Myrtle Beach, they forget Wilmington has several beaches and it’s really not far. It’s just a matter of driving in a different direction. Try something different. My pastor said he just came back from time away in the mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains sounds like a good idea, too.

The idea is just that you do something that makes you happy and peaceful. There is so much drama and stress during the course of a week, that we need to de-stress and regroup just to maintain sanity. Why wait until your vacation time rolls around a couple times a year? Quick getaways seems like just the thing to maintain balance.

Make a move to plan to do something for yourself this weekend. If you can’t do it this week, try for next. Whatever you do, plan to do something. Let me know how this works for you.

© 2010 Francina Johnson-Jamison

Several years ago, I learned the importance of seeking God on a daily basis. I have found that if I don’t do this before I leave the house, by the time I get to my car, I feel like I left something behind. I did . . . my time with God. The only time this really happens is when I’m rushing and have to be someplace really early in the morning. That is rare, but it does happen. When it does, I pray on the run, but at least I pray. Sometimes, my car can be so full of the Holy Spirit, I have to pull over in a parking lot and just praise Him like I really want to and not just confine my praise to merely lifting one hand up in the air while I drive as I shout, “Hallelujah!”

I look forward to my special time with God and I know, from study of the Word, that He looks forward to that time, also. He loves it when we come to Him, not out of a pending crisis or emergency, but just because of who He is.

Seeking God on a daily basis pretty much assures me that when I do this, He’ll provide everything I need on a daily basis. Example: I have decided to go back to work on a part-time basis to test the waters to see if I’m able to handle it again. I haven’t worked for the past 6 years (other than my one night a week volunteer job) so my professional/business wardrobe could use some updating.

A dear friend of mine came down to visit this past weekend and after church Sunday, we went to one of my favorite stores, Stein Mart. Although the store is only a couple blocks away, I don’t go in often. If Chetta had not been here, I probably would not have even gone back. I’d been in there Thursday. I found a couple pairs of larger earrings to enhance this new short-short haircut I’m wearing now. The $25 (each) earrings cost me $3 (each)!! They’re having their Red Dot sale and on the trip after church, I managed to find a really nice pink (I love pink) jacket that I can wear with a white skirt and blouse that I already have in my closet. This morning, I realized I also have a pair of white slacks and another white blouse I can use it with. The $60 jacket only cost me $12! God knows where the bargains are and He leads you to them … when you’re seeking Him. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.

The same thing happens to me in the supermarket. I recently went to Harris Teeter during their Triple Coupons sale with coupons in hand. My total before coupons was $103. After the cashier deducted the coupons, my total was $39!!! And the coupon savings continue whenever I go. You really don’t have to spend much to eat “high on the hog” as they used to say back in the day.

I’m just saying . . . seek God daily and know that He’s with you every step because He knows exactly where you are and what you need. Seeking Him daily also lets Him know that you are putting Him first. That’s where He wants to be. When you put Him first, He’ll do likewise for you. Make a move to do that today. The blessings are endless!

© 2010 Francina Johnson-Jamison

Have you heard that saying, “There’s always somebody out there who’s worse off than you?” It’s true. God has a way of slapping that in my face whenever I think I’m in a rough spot. I’m sure He’s done that for many of you, too.

As I was going about my day yesterday, I encountered a woman who’s in a sad situation. Although we’re both going through something right now, we laughed and chatted and slapped high-fives because we know we have the V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! We know that although we may be going through, we don’t look like it, nor do we act like it and we are actually growing while in the process.

Okay, back to what this is all about. As I was speaking with this woman, I realized that there is something I might be able to do help ease her burden, other than pray. I can’t bring her out, but I can surely try to help out.

When we’re in a rough spot in our journey, that’s the time to look around and see what we can do for somebody else. Ultimately, our mess is not about us, but about what we do to and for others as we are in the mess. Our reactions and interactions is what’s going to help bring us up out of the mess. It’ll probably shorten the time you spend in the mess, too.

Make a move to realize that it isn’t really about you, but what you do while going through that brings glory to God that matters in this life. When you reach out and step in to help somebody else, that brings a whole lot of glory to God and He will surely let you know that He is pleased.

© 2010 Francina Johnson-Jamison

We will always go through our lives wanting things. To be honest, there will also be certain people we want. In God’s plan, He designed our lives so we would have some of the things we want, but not all the time. There are times where His guidance and direction will have to be adhered to if we want to have success in all areas of our lives. This is where most of us miss the mark.

We want what we want, when we want it. Many times, what we want is not what God wants for us. When something is being withheld from us, we have to remember that God’s ways are different from our ways and He only has our best interest at heart. Sometimes, the thing (or person) we want could be something that could totally destroy our lives. It could cause lots of stress, pain, anxiety, chaos, turmoil, hardship or maybe even death, somewhere down the road. God sees everything and knows everything far in advance of our even thinking about a thing. We must remember this: When you think about it, pray about it and then obey when you get an answer. If you don’t get an answer, it may be in your best interest not to do anything. It just might not be your time to have it.

Just because it’s not your time right then doesn’t mean you won’t have it later. Sometimes, God has to work some other things out in the background before you’re ready to handle the thing/person. If another person is involved, He may have to work some things out in that person’s life, too. Just because you want it doesn’t make it right for right then. Everything has a season and it just may be that your season hasn’t come for that thing/person. In the case of a person, that season may never come because that person is just not right for you. Whatever you do, DON’T go against God in this instance. The results could be more stressful than you ever imagined and could cause serious health issues for you. How do I know? Been there, done that and won’t do it again. From here on out, I wait on God! I know that what He has for me is the BEST for me. Whether it’s a person or a thing, God’s best is always worth the wait.

Make a move to wait on God to move when you’re not getting what you want. What He wants for you is always going to be far better than anything you could imagine. Don’t you think that is something worth waiting for?

© 2010 Francina Johnson-Jamison

Mom used to tell us if we see a fight going on, run the other way. But, if we are involved in one, stay and defend ourselves. Some people give up before the battle even starts. They figure it’s too hard or they choose not to fight this particular one. Remember, every battle is not yours to fight. But what about those that are? You need to just get right on in and fight. If you don’t, that same situation will probably repeat until you face it. Like Mom also told us, at some point you have to confront the bully! All of this represents physical fights (just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean it can’t happen…especially for children) and those that are battles of the will, emotions and/or problems in your life that may even show up on your job.

We must have faith that God knows what He’s doing and He wouldn’t have brought you to the battle without providing the proper equipment you need to fight . . . and win. He’s given you everything you need to accomplish what needs to be done for that time. Remember to pray before you start and you’ll never go in alone. While you’re in the battle, it’s important to remember that God is there with you, every step of the way. I’m not saying that God condones physical fighting, but we must also remember He orchestrates EVERYTHING in our lives. He gives us choices sometimes those choices lead to battle conditions. He doesn’t just allow us to go in there and just leave us. He stays. He also has the power to work things out so that once you’ve prayed ahead of time, the other party (or parties) may not even show up for the battle, leaving you victorious without even having to fight simply because you showed up for the battle. That’s God!

Make a move to pray and at least show up for the fight. Remember, in the midst of the battle, God is always there. He arrived before everybody else to make sure His purpose would prevail and you would have the victory. God always wins. We simply have to choose to be obedient, accept the challenge and show up for the fight, whatever it may be. You might win more than just the battle. You may win an even stronger trust in and deeper relationship with God.

© 2010 Francina Johnson-Jamison

The Road Is Not Easy, But . . .

The road of Life we travel on is not designed to be easy. It’s not designed for us to just skip our way happily through. If it were, we wouldn’t need God. That’s not how He made us. He made us to depend on Him. Don’t get it twisted, though. Don’t think for one minute that He’s egotistical. No. He’s smart and He designed us to be that way, also.

Being smart means that when we encounter a bump in this road, we seek help. Sometimes we think we can handle the situation and we actually make a mess of an already bad situation. That’s not smart. God wants us to come to Him and allow Him to show us how to make things right.

There may be times when being smart means rather than suffer through, we get rid of our pride and ask someone to help us do whatever it is we’re trying to accomplish. This is something that’s been hard for me, but as I continue on this road, I’m learning to open my mouth and ask. God will send someone to help in whatever area it’s needed. It sure makes a big difference in how the situation looks and in how I feel physically and mentally. God has placed people in our lives for various reasons. Each person brings something different to our lives. It’s part of sharing one another’s burdens and just a part of living this life.

The Bible says God daily bears our burdens (Ps. 68:19 NIV). Make a move to lighten your load and increase your endurance for the journey. Give your cares to God and watch Him work things out for you.

© 2010 Francina Johnson-Jamison