Too Little Time, So Much Media!

Hey Precious Ones,

It's August and school starts this week in the South!
How can summer be winding down?
Where has the year flown to?  Before we blink it will be Thanksgiving time and then Christmas!

Please forgive me for not keeping up with this blog.
Several months ago I initiated a website to better share my writing projects. Please check it out and leave me a comment at www.jessicacerrico.com

Since then I have started volunteering at our local pregnancy center, as well as preparing for the start of Bible Study Fellowship this fall, and staying faithful with my weekly newspaper column.


What have you been up to? 

I pray that in whatever challenges you've been dealing with, your faith has grown as you've tapped into God's Love.

I sincerely hope to connect with you at my new domain, and am praying that I'll be more disciplined in reaching out.  Let's link arms as we navigate life in an increasingly darkened world.

Shalom!

Try Being Satisfied

“Satisfecho” is a Spanish word that came to mind recently.  As I ponder it, enunciating each syllable slowly and distinctly, it evokes a deep, filling sensation…satisfied!  And I’m reminded once again about the value of contentment.

            I write a weekly column for my local newspaper about the lessons the LORD is teaching me. The deadline to submit my essays falls at the beginning of the week, which causes me  to pause and  reflect on how I live my days.  God longs for my heart and spirit to be satisfied in Him, not always yearning for, or striving after, the “good life.”

I type this while a coupon worth 20% off at one of my favorite stores is burning a hole in my wallet.  You see, the coupon expires today, in merely three hours and 28 minutes! But the closest stores are more than 40 miles away, just too far for a spur-of-the- moment trip on a hot, humid summer afternoon, given the cost of the gasoline.

 

            So I’m wondering about what compels me to always want more?  Why is it so difficult to count my blessings and simply be content?  As an American I have enjoyed incredible freedom and prosperity, but have I really appreciated it?

True satisfaction happens when I make gratitude the goal of my life.  The apostle Paul wrote the following counsel to his apprentice Timothy.  His words are the secret to contentment and they challenge me.

             “But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness…” (1 Timothy 6:6-12)

 

            Oh to know deep down that God’s love truly satisfies (Psalm 90:14); and to seek Him for the contentment that often seems elusive!  Indeed, as our culture of consumerism constantly entices our senses, we need to be on guard against the lie that happiness is found in things; choosing instead to be sheltered by God’s truth.  For He has promised His children satisfaction now, and a glorious future in His presence!

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”  Isaiah 58:11

By His grace, I can be “satisfecho!”

Back to Blogland

Hi ALL!

I'm back from months of intense work on my ministry memoir.  How are y'all?
I've missed reading about your lives, but have kept up with many shortened versions on Face Book, so never felt completely dis-connected.

After the upheaval of a major move, the surgical re-do of a major joint, and the prayers of many, I finally finished THE MOTHER GAP on Monday, October 1, at 3:03 pm.  I didn't expect that it would take me an additional 3 and 1/2 months to find a publisher, polish, edit and get it to press, but it did.

If you know anyone who has felt disconnected from their mother, this book will be an encouragement to them. My story of growing up with a classy, successful woman, who chose alcohol to soothe her disappointments, is one of triumph over emotional pain.  Where I had a deep emotional Gap, GOD was able to build a Bridge of Forgiveness!

There's probably nothing we need more in our lives than Forgiveness.  Daily, we are challenged to forgive others, or else, lug along a trunk of hurts and pain.

Check out this Vimeo clip to hear more about the theme of my book.
https://vimeo.com/83465515


If you're interested in helping me bring it to press, go to Indiegogo here:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-mother-gap/x/5893292


It's so good to be BACK!
I'll be visiting your blogs and getting re-acquainted.
GOD bless you and yours in this New Year!

((Hugs))
Jessica

JUDGE and Jury

The dreaded envelop lay opened on the counter.  In light of my hectic schedule, a summons to serve on a trial jury was the last thing I needed.  Not that I want to shirk my civic duty, it just wasn’t a good time to pull away from all my other obligations.

Checking the details, I headed north to the county seat, Woodbine, Georgia.  The dreary fall weather dampened my spirits as I rushed into the courthouse.  As directed, I left behind my purse, cell phone and umbrella.  Escorted to the second floor, I noticed the many glum faces of those already gathered. The roll call evoked memories of countless school days from years long past.  I found it fascinating to watch my fellow citizens.  All of us summoned out of our everyday lives, to serve as a legal panel.

Grateful for the cheerful attitude (and voice) of the county clerk, I responded “present,” when they called my name.  Willingly, I lined up with the others, in sequence for our courtroom seating.  Over the years, I had been called to jury selection twice before.  This was the first time I actually saw the inside of a courtroom.  Awed by the beautiful woodwork and stately appointment of the room, I experienced a reverence for the procedure, and proceedings, that take place there.  The decorum elicited by our practice of law, was tangible.

As we were herded into the chamber, the attorneys from both sides stood and surveyed the jury “pool.”  In general, they had pleasant but intense expressions.  One of the attorneys, however, bore down on us with her stare.  I’ll probably never forget it.  It was almost as if she was determined to see through us and nail our consciences to the wall with her stark, unblinking eyes…very unnerving. 

Then we were told the very briefest description of the impending trial, and with a gasp, we realized the severe implications of our duty.  Yes, this ordeal was an unwelcome interruption in our daily lives, but, the lives of the people we would be judging were already forever altered!  Our job was to listen impartially to their stories, and attempt to judge their truthfulness.  Discernment of the facts of the crime, beyond a reasonable doubt, would be our mandate.

The attorneys had very specific questions for us to answer.  In an effort to ferret out the most favorable jury panel for their side of the trial, they asked about our personal lives and experiences.  I couldn’t help applying their inquisition to my spiritual condition.

The Bible has a lot to say about judgment. Of course, it starts with sin.  Why else would judgment be needed?  The scriptures say that “Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20)  In the Book of Genesis, we learn how mankind became tainted by sin, and how we can’t earn the acceptance of a Holy God by our own efforts.

Then, in Genesis 18, we read that Abraham pleaded with God to spare his nephew and the inhabitants of Sodom.  He asked, “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”  Indeed, God is the righteous Judge of all the nations, and everything in our world.  Not only does He have all authority, but He is all knowing!  Unlike the human attorneys I met this week, who try to flush out truth with the intensity of their stares and questions, God knows our every thought, every deed.  There is no place to hide from Him.

Ah, praise God, we have an advocate who stands by our sides!

Job proclaims “Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high.  My intercessor is my friend.”  The Lord Jesus Christ lived a sinless life so that He could die in our place, as payment for our sin.  (Romans 5:6)  He laid down his life on a rugged cross, thus satisfying a debt none of us could pay!  “Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)   Truly, Jesus is the Bridge between me and a Holy GOD.  His Grace brought me from sin to righteousness, from death to life, from darkness into His glorious light. 

Though I was dismissed at 4:00pm, and not required to serve on this jury panel, my day in court made me pause.  How often do I take stock of my life, as I rush through the days?  The author of the Book of Hebrews warns that each of us will die once, and then face judgment!  Am I ready to face God at the end of my life?  Are you?

Trust in Jesus for your salvation and be comforted by these words:  “…Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” (Hebrews 9:28)

Since I have the best ever Defense Attorney, the Lord Jesus Christ, I don't fear the end of my days!  How about you?

Blooming Wherever!

(photo courtesy of Michelle Love)

 

Some moves are worse than others. 

This I know because I have moved 31 times.  My last move to SE Coastal Georgia, two and a half years ago, was under the most challenging circumstances.  Our family left a home of 12 years in central Florida.  We left ministries and memories, as that was the last place we lived with our children under one roof.  To start over in our fifties was complicated by my husband’s career change and my broken ribs.  Yet, I’ve finally begun to put down roots! 

 

Roots are important to me because they mean “connection.” 

I realize that when one’s children are young and need to be registered in school and other activities, it’s easier to get “connected.”  Many contacts and relationships are built with the parents of our children’s friends.  Still, after the first hectic weeks of unpacking, the loss of friends and familiar surroundings can trigger depression.  This can be especially true for empty "nesters.”

As this summer gallops to a close, I’m thinking of all the families and couples who will be new to our communities this fall.  Will we be on the look out to help newcomers find their footing?  They will need to know about reputable services in our area, from doctors and dentists to mechanics and hair stylists.  A smile and new house plant, or plate of cookies, can go a long way in making a new neighbor feel welcome.  Most of all, will we welcome them into our lives and not just to our street?

I hope that if you're new somewhere,  you  will settle in quickly and find your community a friendly place.  May you find a church family that embraces you.  My advice is to be patient as you seek new relationships, you never know where you’ll meet a special friend...maybe in line at the motor vehicles registration office or at the recreational center.    Be open and ready to initiate a “get-together.  Often, the responsibility for forging a new relationship rests on the one with the biggest need.  So, if you’re new, don’t wait for others to reach out, you reach “in.”  

One way to assimilate into a new community is to look for other new people.  They have similar needs for connection.  Other ways include plugging into community groups such as Bible studies, Newcomers, Art leagues or Music clubs; as well as reading a pertinent  book.  These were strategies that helped me. 

During my transition, an out-of-state friend suggested the book  “After The Boxes Are Unpacked: Moving On After Moving In,” by Susan Miller.  Promoted as “An essential relocation guide for a real moving experience!” it is published by Tyndale House Publishers, in conjunction with Focus On The Family.  Full of practical wisdom, Susan’s words and examples point to healthy attitudes and actions that can turn a challenging move into an unexpected blessing.

If you’re grappling with the upheaval of change and all the related feelings associated with a move, remember that God loves you and He is with you.  The Bible is full of promises about His faithfulness.  How reassuring that He knows right where you are and what you are going through.  May you be comforted by His assertion that “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” from Hebrews 13:5. 

Another favorite scripture is found in the Book of Proverbs, Chapter 3, verses 5-6.  The author declares that if we trust in the LORD with all of our hearts, acknowledging Him in all our ways, while not leaning on our own understanding; He will direct our paths and give us success.   What a comfort to know that God is able and willing to help us assimilate and bloom where we are planted.  Though our “moves” don’t surprise Him, we might be surprised at the blessings He has waiting!  If you are somewhere "new" today, my prayer for you is this:

May your roots grow deep and strong in this season of your life.

JESUS Is Our True Green!

Peer Pressure.
It isn’t just for teenagers. When it comes to summer projects, adults can get embroiled in “keeping up with the Joneses” too.


For example, last week our next door neighbors re-painted their kitchen and living/dining room areas. Little did they know they would start a chain reaction. You see, both our families share a duplex; we actually moved in within a week of each other two years ago. So when they began customizing their walls, I caught the decorating “bug!” Who would have guessed that home décor urges were so contagious???

Since their updated walls looked great, I decided that I needed a new look too. Yet, while their decision about a new color seemed a breeze, I found myself mired in pigment swatches! Even worse, in my quest for the perfect color I painted the dining room wall with several options side by side, ending up with a hodge-podge effect. Oh, beware of those three dollar sample bottles! Though they’re a great way to check out new colors, one can overdo it. My confusion increased exponentially.

In fact, trying to find the RIGHT shade of green to complement the other green hues in my house was a daunting task. The color Green results from mixing the primary colors blue and yellow together. Depending on the amount of each pigment, the resulting green will have either a predominately blue tint or yellow tint. I prefer greens that have a blue tint while my husband (with his olive skin tone) prefers greens that tint yellow. Consequently, my attempt to find the perfect green (with blue tint) to “go” with the yellow tinted greens we already have, was enough to tear my hair out. Confused yet?

Upon reflection, I’ve decided the root of my struggle is a propensity to over analyze. Can anyone relate? And after wrestling with color chips for days, I realized that many people have a similar struggle with Christianity. God tells us in the Bible that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. He is the True Green, if you will, who gives us Eternal Life! Yet many people want to choose their own way to God. The more they study world religions, the more confused they get. Their efforts to control their own destinies consume them and they often construct a “god” that is very different from Abraham’s God, Yahweh, our Almighty Creator.

This past Sunday, my pastor shared a simple way to explain the essence of the scriptures. He said that the crux of the Bible can be understood in light of just two men…Adam and Christ. (Check out the Book of Romans, Chapter 5)

Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden where all his needs were met. He had meaningful work, a precious partner (Eve), a beautiful world to live in and free will. God, his Heavenly Father, gave him only one prohibition: not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But as we know, Adam chose to disobey. That one act of disobedience ushered in the presence of sin which has tainted all of creation, including every human heart.

Then, at just the right time, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Jesus was born into our world, fully God and fully man, to do what no one else could ever do. His specific mission: to die as the sacrificial Lamb, appointed to pay for all the sin of mankind. Jesus chose to obey his Heavenly Father even unto a gruesome death!

Now every human being has a choice: to attempt to govern their own lives, living out the sentence of sin and judgment initiated by Adam; or choose to follow Christ in repentance and faith which leads to redemption and a new spiritual birth.

For many, the decision to trust Christ seems so complicated…kind of like choosing the “perfect” color. Some folks over analyze their need for God. They struggle to believe His promises and His provision, when all they truly need is to humble their hearts and reach for a Savior who is worthy of adoration and allegiance. As the Apostle Paul proclaimed, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!” (Acts 16:31)

Thinking about Jesus as God’s “true” green reminded me that all the different greens in nature blend beautifully together. God is the Master Artist and every day I witness the harmony of hues He’s created. So finally, I made a color choice! Then I thanked God for my dear husband who was willing to do the actual painting… even though we prefer different tints of green.

(The finished project!)