I began Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Calling. This is a gift from Janice Prentice. I too find myself: “adjusting to the loss of my fulfilling work.” p. ix
Yesterday I self-published book #2: “Job Loss: What’s Next?” The book is based upon is the first verse quoted in this book. Coincidence? I think not–Godincidence once more. As I ponder finances, a new home for Paul and Mary and children, and a loving mate for Nancy, I need to remember this verse, dwell in God’s presence, and Be Still and Know that our Sovereign Lord provides, guides, and promises His sweet Presence, the closer we are to His will. I, like Sarah Young, seek His messages, His communing Presence, so that I too can be better used to extend His kingdom through my writing or other means.
So here again, is the verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
What a blessing the January 4th entry is: from the perspective of Jesus: “I want you to learn a new habit. try saying, “I trust you, Jesus” in response to whatever happens to you…when you view events from this perspective–through the Light of my universal Presence–fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me, no matter what…Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.” p. 5
And so we begin this adventure, reading a book written from the point of view of Jesus speaking to me. It is not intended to take the place of Scripture, but is based on Scripture’s blessings. It is intriguing to think of Sarah Young’s ideas of Jesus Calling.
A career teacher, with forty years of teaching language arts/English, Betty Jackson enjoys wordsmithing, writing, and reading as a vocation and avocation.Retirement is her "age of frosting," a chance to pursue postponed hobbies with gusto. She especially sends kudos to the Space Coast Writers Guild members for their encouragement and advice. Her five books, It's a God Thing!, Job Loss: What's Next? A Step by Step Action Plan, and Bless You Bouquets: A Memoir, And God Chose Joseph: A Christmas Story, and Rocking Chair Porch: Summers at Grandma's are available at Amazon.com. Ms. Jackson is available to speak to local groups and to offer her books at discount for fundraising purposes at her discretion. She and her husband soon celebrate their 47th anniversary, and have lived in New York, New Jersey, Iowa, and now the paradise of Palm Bay, Florida. Their two grown children and daughter-in-love, all orchestra musicians, and our beautiful granddaughters Kaley and Emily live nearby. Hobbies, and probably future topics on her blog: gardening, symphonic music (especially supporting the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra as a volunteer and proud parent of a violinist, a cellist, and an oboist), singing, book clubs, and co-teaching a weekly small-group Bible study for seniors. She volunteers and substitute teaches at Covenant Christian School, and serves as a board member of the Best Yet Set senior group at church. Foundationally, she daily enjoys God's divine appointments called Godincidences, which show God's providence and loving kindness.