Wednesday, June 25, 2008

IPOD - Inspiring Peace Over Doubt

"I Found Joy in a BIG God" Part Two (To read Part One click here.)

Stepping out in faith and travelling on my own was huge! Not only was I fearful of flying, but I faced so many unknowns. What would I do at the airport? Where would I go? How would I find my departure gate? Would I get on the right plane? What if I lost my luggage? Questions bombarded my brain like missiles from a fighter jet.

As my husband drove the car to the airport, I reached for the IPOD my son loaned me for this trip. Days prior to leaving my son had worked hard at downloading some songs from our CDs so I would have some music to accompany me on this journey. What I hadn't fully realized was the thought and effort he had put into each selection. As I scrolled the menu through to the Playlist entitled, "Mom's Trip", my heart caught in my throat as I began to read the titles of each song.

This is what I read: The Great Adventure; Ready to Fly; My Redeemer Lives; It's a Good Day; You are Everything; I've Never Trusted You Like I'm Going to do Right Now; Jesus is Alive; Safe and Sound; You are God Alone; Voice of Truth; How Great Thou Art; Fearless; All Things are Possible; Be Lifted High; For the Sake of the Call; Lord I Believe in You; He Holds the Keys; The Potter's Hands; Hold Onto Jesus; Brave; Stepping Up; The Journey; He Reigns; Shout to the Lord; God is Here; The Plan; Go; Love you So Much; Going with Jesus; Leap of Faith; Eagle's Wings; Who Had Faith; Downpour; That's What We Came Here For; Oxygen; Beyond the Clouds; I'm Taking You with Me; Hear Our Praises; Atmosphere; Glory to the King; Friends in High Places; I Do Believe; My Heart will Trust; Be Still and Know; God is in the House.

Don't those titles alone just infuse you with faith to trust! I barely read through two titles before tears were streaming down my face. My son had put so much thought, effort and prayer into choosing songs with lyrics that would remind me to rejoice and put my hope in God.

With these truths ministering already to my longing heart, I reached for the card my friend Carol had given me moments before. This is the prayer I read:

"Come to Me and rest in My loving presence. You know that this day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way through those trials. As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you - now and always! Rehearsing your troubles results in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go through them only when they actually occur! Do not multiply your suffering in this way! Instead, come to me and relax in my peace. I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into confident trust!"

Wiping my eyes and soaring with Him to His destination!

Be sure to check back tomorrow as the saga continues - just think - we're not even at the airport yet!

***It's my friend Carol's birthday today. Praying the Lord will bless you abundantly for all the ways you have touched my heart with His love. You are a one in a million friend, and my life has been enriched by your friendship. May your greatest gift today be more of Him. Love, hugs and prayers.***

10 comments:

Carol said...

Thank you, Joy, for the birthday wishes! Praising God with you for the AMAZING things He has done in you in the last months and looking forward with anticipation for what He will continue to do!

Love,
Carol.

Kelley said...

What a sweet and thoughtful son you have. I shudder to think of what my son would have downloaded for me! lol
Isn't it awesome God could provide for each of us in such a personal way? I am so glad He carried you through your fears and you can look back on this as a positive and powerful experience. You are such a blessing and I LOVED getting to meet you in person. I do wish we would have had more time to chat but at least we have the internet (no state line or border is going to stop us from connecting as sisters!).

Paula V said...

What an extremely beautiful gester from an obviously beautiful person you have in your son. Precious...if you are like me then the music provided you great comfort and the best focus you could have: on Jesus. I bet you were just praising and shouting to Him in your heart as you listened to the music. I bet it wiped away your focus on your fears of flying.
Paula

Unknown said...

What a sweetie you have for a son!?! :) I am really enjoying your blog posts about She Speaks. You have such a way with words. Such a wonderful writing style. Keep up the posts...I can't wait to hear what happens next!

Prayers and Blessings!
Rebecca

Catherine said...

Wow! What a list of amazing songs! Think I'm going to save this list and see what ones I can buy online to add to my MP3 player. What a precious, precious gift Chris gave you. What a great kid!!

Happy Birthday to Carol too! Talked with her briefly but her phone had been rining off the hook at work and I'm guessing the boss wanted her to get something done. :o) So happy that you and Carol share the precious friendship that you do! God has given you an amazing gift in one another.

It's such fun to read of your adventure Joybells. Looking forward to Part III.

Hmmm....you're still on your way to the airport Friday morning and already at Part II. It may be an exercise in learning how to read Roman numerals by the time you're done. :o)

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

Joy-Carols card was perfect for me today!! Thank you for sharing!! Continue the journey!!!

In His Graces~Pamela

Shirley Mary said...

I remember the "What if's" when flying to New Zealand but it was a dream trip! Great songs your son downloaded for you!
I'll be back for the next chapter !

mary

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

I'm enjoying reading about your adventure to She Speaks and can't wait to read the "rest of the story".

Marilyn

Glynnis Whitwer said...

I think your son could have a ministry putting together song groupings for different challenges in life. What an amazing blessing that was. God not only handpicked you to be your son's mother, but He handpicked your son as a precious gift to you. Thank you for sharing this story.

Bonita said...

Joy, thanks for stopping by my blog. Can you tell me where you saw the stencil that says "Your story begins at home"? Love it!

I can't wait to hear more about your adventures at She Speaks and I'm so glad you're including details not only of what happened, but how you felt each step of the way. I bet so many other women can identify.