Cloudy with a Chance of Hope: Big Changes, Big Believing
Cloudy with a Chance of Hope: Big Changes, Big Believing
My family is making some big changes.
I am used to change. I had moved 16 times before I graduated from high school. My husband Justin, not so much. No, Justin likes things on an even plane.
One plain cake donut for breakfast with a small cup of coffee, black.
Lunch is at noon.
Wranglers, boots, and a golf shirt. Blue, dark blue, black, or gray. No patterns. Absolutely no pink. And no red.
Work.
Play with vandals, our 3 and 5-year-old sons.
Dinner.
Shower.
Tuck vandals in, read 1 Dr. Suess book, pray 1 Lord’s prayer.
1 cup of milk and 2 Oreos for a bedtime snack.
Floss, brush, Star Trek, sleep.
This is how he rolls.
I like a little variety. I look forward to change. Frankly, I think it is wrong to eat plain cake donuts, also only two Oreos? That is disturbing on many different levels, like serial killer tendencies.
I am looking forward to some changes. I get excited about what might happen next. And since the first time I heard the message of Grace, I realized I wasn’t in trouble, and that God wasn’t out to get me or teach me some horrible lesson, I have been looking forward to the next big change.
The next big season is upon us. Over the next two months, I am most delighted to have big announcements and see my first book be on shelves. In the midst of that, there has been a series of hurt, much loss. Some relationships have changed, others have ended. And while I am sad, I also have peace. I believe that God is moving in our lives in a way that is productive and genuine.
Prior to grace, I wouldn’t have recognized Jesus in the room because the Jesus I created was so freaking insane.
He was crazy mean. He chased me down and pummeled me with unreasonable laws and misleading tasks. This busy work lead me to believe that I personally was responsible for perfecting the work of the cross and appeasing an enraged and irritable God. In reality, I was insulting and belittling the flawless work completed by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus by trying to add to it with measly works.
When I fell into the arms of Jesus and knew I was finally safe, change became even more exciting!
His involvement in my life is absolutely so much better than anything I could hope for. The ease of trust is so refreshing.
I never tire of this message.
As I sat down to write this I thought, oh geez – will my readers grow weary of this? And all I can think is – do you grow weary of being absolutely adored? What I grew weary of was the drudgery of trying to make Him love me, which was futile. The relationship I had prior to Grace was false and so empty. It was God speak, a complete work of religiosity. I might be moved by a hymn or an answered prayer but I was shackled to the belief that at any moment I would botch life and He would flip a switch and strike a loved one down with a brain tumor.
Say it with me:
God is good.
Satan is bad.
In this quiet place with Him, who I know, I am delighted to feel something deep in my chest that is raging with both peace and desire. Peace that makes everything okay… even though, it isn’t. And desire, a great desire that everyone come to fully understand, NOTHING can separate us from the love of Jesus.
[clickToTweet tweet=”#Peace that makes everything ok even though it isn’t” quote=”#Peace that makes everything ok even though it isn’t”]
He said that.
He meant that.
Apart from the law sin is dead.
Knowing He adores me, believing that, is that catalyst for brave things. It is the substance for obedience and righteousness which is in me because of who He is.
The blood worked. It was fully effective. Jesus did the work and sat down. Things here are a hot mess. My heart is broken. I am run down and weary.
It is well.
May your floors be sticky and your calling ordained. Love, Jami
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
You just must read: The Christian Burqa
I have learned to enjoy change too. When I step outside my comfort zone I lean on Him more!
Last month I moved from SoCal to Florida with my family. We drove 2 vehicles with 3 adults, 3 kids (5 mo – 10 yrs) and 3 dogs avg 70 lbs ea. I had lots of opportunities to practice grace, peace, and patience. Now I am looking for a new home church…..more opportunities.
God is always good! His timing is impeccable!
Thanking for this amazing reminder!!!
So fun!!!!
It has taken me a long time, but I have also learned to enjoy change and to enjoy things not being perfect. To me these are God’s ways of reminding me He is still here and in charge. Even though it sometimes feels like the world is falling apart. My family – no so much. I tend to be the sane one in a land crazies (but they are my crazies and I love them).
Amen
****will my readers grow weary of this? ****
No, Jami, I don’t ever grow weary of reading about grace!
And this:
****Peace that makes everything okay… even though, it isn’t. ****
Thank you for writing through pain and joy and change and a husband who only eats two Oreos!
❤️
I am always blessed by your words, I can feel the joy! Thank you for always showing your heart to us and being kind enough to continue to give us inspiration! Through your words, God knows what I need and when I need it, even if I’m a few days late reading your post❤️
Bless you my friend. ❤️
Does it count as liking change if I only like it with a bit of notice and time to plan….? Thanks for the reminder that God is always with us, guiding us on the path he has chosen especially for us.
How did you do it? How did you take that step of faith and trust? I feel like I’m on the edge but I don’t know how to take the next step of really believing, trusting, hoping.
I started saying it. Over and over and over. And it really became part of me. He is who He says He is.
Of course we never grow weary of reading about grace. I, for one, look forward to reading whatever you write. I, too, am often a hot, forgetful mess but that doesn’t mean He loves me any less. You’ve helped me see that more clearly. I appreaciate your humor, your big heart, and your willingness to stand in the reality of who you are-unvarnished and bathed in His grace. Thank you, Jami.
Thank you Tana…
A year ago I went through one of the most painful seasons of my life relationally. I had a tight group of sister friends (our kids were best friends, our husbands were friends, we spent holidays together, we were family) and it was nearly completely dissolved by March of this year. The Lord humbled me and taught me so much about who He is and this year for the first time I could say that I knew Him. Really knew Him and how much he loves me. For my whole life I sang hymns and worship songs that spoke of the cross and I didn’t connect that He really loved me and this year I finally got it-believed it. I had put so much of my belief in Jesus into relationships around me and circumstances. Looking at my health or what was happening to me as a direct reflection of how He felt about me. I knew in my mind it wasn’t true but because I have believed lies from so long ago, I believed He was out to get me. I started your book on audio. It will surely take me MONTHS to finish it because I don’t get the time to read or listen but sister, I am so grateful for your words that I do read-snippets in the night while I feed our foster love, or the ones I hear before I go to sleep at night. Thanks for sharing your journey. ❤️
Thank you for sharing. I grieved as I read that, what a huge loss/change,,, still He is good. Bless you.