Treasures in Jars of Clay

First let me start by saying thank you for the sweet comments, emails, and for your prayers for Kylie. I know that God is still working. Yesterday I was thinking about what to post on the blog. In the adoption process, we have been in the "waiting period" for almost 2 years so it's only about once every month we receive an update from the adoption agency. (The next referral batch will be for the February 2006 LID, our's is July 2006). So I began to pray and ask God to help me what to say. I believe that the Holy Spirit living inside me does give power to my words so it isn't just me, it's God speaking through me. He truly is amazing! I was thinking about and remembering my friend, Paige Pickard, this morning. Today is her birthday. She would have turned 33 today. God took her home to heaven when she was 17. I always remember Paige as being a one-of-a-kind friend. She had a glow and sparkle about her that I had always envied. Paige wasn't like most of my other friends when I was a teenager. She lived that separated life (that I now know about). What made her different than my other friends? Paige loved Jesus. She lived a godly and holy life. After she departed this earth, God used Paige to have an impact for Christ. I heard things at her funeral that I had never heard. I wanted what she had. God used Paige to plant seeds in my life and then God did the rest. I didn't surrender my life to Christ right away; in fact, it was 5 years later when I gave my life to Christ and trusted Him as my Savior. I thank God for Paige. I want you to know that if you are going through a difficult season in your life right now, hand it over to God. If you don't have a personal relationship with Him then tell me, I want to pray for you. God will not waste a single hurt that we endure. He is loving toward all He made and is faithful in keeping His promises.

I know of other people who gave their lives to the Lord after Paige's death. Thinking of Paige, I am reminded of how our lives here on earth are so short compared to eternity, whether it's a really short time like Kyler's or someone who lives to be 100. James 4:14 says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist (or vapor) that appears for a little while and then vanishes." I realize in my own life I need to be doing more for Christ. Think of all the persecuted Christians in other countries that are being imprisoned or even killed for telling about Jesus. How I pray to have more boldness and courage in witnessing to others.

I am weak, that's why I need Jesus. Those of us in Christ are His personal representatives. 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." How I pray that we draw attention to the treasure that is inside us and not to ourselves. I want to end by asking you all to please pray for continued strength and comfort for Paige's mom, dad, and sister. I think Casting Crowns' song "Who am I" would be perfect to listen to. Enjoy.

Love & blessings,
Jennifer