It's been a couple of weeks since I posted my first blog. As they've gone by, I've started to grow anxious. It's something I've had to fight daily. We all know being anxious isn't good. It's not healthy! It rarely ever helps any situation. Probably all of you can relate when I say I feel like I have a purpose but can't begin living that purpose out until I get where I'm going. It's only been in the last few months God has really given me a new direction (or at least I've realized that direction) and a realization of what I was put here for specifically. With this new revelation, it seems as though it's on hold. Waiting is hard. We can quickly get caught up in the "mundaneness" of life. At least, I know I can! (I might be the world's worst!) This past weekend, my brother, Matthew Alan, (I know what you're thinking, “doesn't Alan Jackson spell his name like that?”..... Yes..... Yes He does.) and I were at our parents house for Father's Day. We got to have an all too seldom chat about life and how each one of us is doing. I told him a little about what I'm writing on this blog. There are a lot of things in life we know but have to be reminded of a lot. One of those things Matt reminded me of is God's timing. God has His reasons. We won't always get them, but they’re good. If it were up to me, I would have been on a plane two months ago headed back to Manila. While I'm excited to get to the Philippines and start playing music and loving on and investing in kids and whatever else God has for me, I don't have to wait to do what I'm called to do. In fact, on the contrary! God has us where we are for a reason. It doesn't matter how we got here, the fact of the matter is, we're here. It may not make sense now, but we'll look back one day and be thankful. Most of us know Isaiah 55:8 "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways', declares the Lord." God sees the big picture. All we see is our version of the bigger story that's taking place. God is showing me life is a lot more about the journey rather than the destination. This side of Heaven, I don't want to wake up one day and feel like I've made it. While I'm waiting, I'm going to love the people around me. I want to be a light wherever I am, whether in Mississippi, Colorado or the Philippines. (Colorado was the first random state that popped in my mind.) Here is a picture of one of the places God lead me to while I was in the Philippines! If you've ever had one of those undeniable moments when you know God is with you, you know what I'm talking about when I say this was one of those moments! Until I visited this church I was having a hard time figuring out how God was going to work this out. (P.S., that's not our job....) At the end of the service, a hip young guy comes to the front of the stage and says they are in need of worship leaders and musicians. At that point God reminded us He was with us. Three weeks later on that same trip, I lead for the first time! All it takes is the faith of a mustard seed. (See Matthew chapter 17) Jesus says if we have the faith of a mustard seed, we can tell a mountain to "move from here to there," and it will. He goes on to say nothing will be impossible for us. People, that's huge! If we move forward in that kind of faith there is no telling the plans God has for us. There are more stories like that I'm eager to share! Another reason I'm excited are these guys! I stole this picture from Natalie along with the other pictures from my previous blog post. (don't hate me :)) By being present and giving time to these kids, I'm hoping they will see they are beloved children of God. They aren't what their thoughts say they are (i.e. street kids). They're not the decisions they've made in the past. And they're definitely not what society tells them they are. They are sons and daughters of God. Forgiven. Fully loved and restored through the atoning work of Jesus. Life is about growing and learning. It's about growing deeper in our relationship with God; taking that vertical relationship and flattening it out. Life's about loving people and showing them God's love. I hope you continue to pray about partnering with what God is doing in the Philippines and around the world. Taking on this role requires a support system both spiritually and monetarily. If you would like to join our efforts in taking the Gospel to the kids and people of the Philippines through new and creative ways, both practically and musically, you can do that! If you would like to give a one-time gift, click here! All you have to do is select my name. If you would like to join with me monthly you can click here! Same goes for that, just click on my name in the drop down box. Lastly and most certainly not least, I, WE, need your prayers! I know God is going to provide for us everything we need to do what he calls us to do! Thanks for reading! Shalom.
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AuthorForgiven.. Trying to live out my purpose the best I know how, and playing music along the way! EP coming soon! Archives
January 2017
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