 |  |
 So I just fussed at him for taking so many JD bracelets and he said, "Mama I'm taking them so I can give them away and minister to people at school." I hushed.
Look at my boy, that kid almost looking like he doesn’t belong in that picture. JD struggled with severe ADHD throughout elementary and middle school, and I worried that he would never fit into this world. Although, he ended up making it through these awkward stages and as far as the world is concerned; he thrived. Oh how I wished I had not put so much emphasis on the world and its thoughts. I honestly cried when I saw this picture this morning. Not totally because of the pain and the difficulty of his childhood, but because of the God that ended up showing me the truth. During my quiet time this morning, yes my God is always on time, He reminded me that just because the two disciples didn’t recognize Jesus after his resurrection, didn’t mean He wasn’t there. I wish I had recognized Jesus working in JD’s life back then and not worried so much about him being liked. If I had recognized that Jesus was right there, mine and JD’s time together would have been much more enjoyable. Although I still struggle with the hard times JD and I had, God continues to remind me that he is there in the midst of it all. He reminds me that it’s ok for to me confused, but that I should keep clinging to my faith that NO MATTER WHAT goodness will prevail. I don’t know who needs to read these words. I don’t know what struggle you are facing, but I do know the One who will work through the most heart wrenching situations to assure you that He is with you. Even when you are confused and don’t see Him, as the disciples were, He is there, and He is working everything for your good. I am so thankful! ~Luke 24:17 “Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it as the women had said, but they didn’t see Him.” Thank you Tammy Jackson DeLoach for sharing this picture.
During this season of slowing down, I, like others, have made it a priority to focus on my relationship with God. Being human, many times my mind enters into the “what ifs”. What if I decorated my house with this theme. What if we had bought that house instead of this house. What if Hannah Paul marries someone and he takes her many miles away. And yes, what if JD were still alive on this earth. When we start with the “what ifs” we lose sight of the “what is”.
It was during one of my quiet times that God reminded me of a verse that is hanging in my dining area. 1st Thessalonians says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” This really stirred in my heart. Everything that is happening today has already been designed by God to happen. (EVERYTHING) We can’t change His will with “what ifs”. However, what we can do is as we are commanded. We can love God and love others. What if this person would think like me? Yes, we’ve all said that. Instead of looking at it like that, we should be showing them the compassion that Jesus shows us. In order to do that we have to love them enough to actually show them Jesus. We can’t do that by arguing with them, by the way. What we can do is pray first that our thoughts line up with Jesus’ thoughts (the what is). Then we can pray for their thoughts to do the same. Prayer is not about changing God’s will. It is about changing us to accept His will. Even when things seem like they are out of control, they are not. God has it all under His control. So instead of us wanting to change God’s control with “what ifs”, let’s accept the “what is” and embrace what is happening with love for Jesus and for others. Chrisine  JD indeed continues to live on in so many lives/touch lives. That #1 He was indeed. I remember the tweets/the "God's got me". The bracelets. Seeing everyone wearing them, especially the young ones. Such a beautiful thing. I will always keep the Paul Family in my prayers! Chrisine touched our lives tremendously when Ash was in 2nd grade. We're forever THANKFUL. But they continue to touch us with their strength. Unwavering Faith! I'd forgotten Abt Raegan writing this until it popped up on my memories. For days, my memories remind me of this event and the message from her is definitely a reminder of how short life is indeed and what really matters! In JDs short life, his impact reached far/wide before and after this tragedy. A legacy he did leave behind indeed. #1 ~~Gods got me~~
To JD Paul: Isn't it amazing how God brings you the exact words you need to hear, if only you'll listen? I've been not writing in this specific book for a little while. My reason, I'm not quite sure. Maybe because it hurts too much, or God was leading me to other places to find some peace that only He can give. Even though I haven't written, you never leave my mind. We have done a few things since I've last written. We've ordered your head stone and a memorial for you to place at the baseball field. We have attended our first ever golf tournament in your name. We were part of a small ceremony at church, because someone was kind enough to donate Bibles for our pews with your name and "God's got me" inside. Your sister, daddy and I have given a few devotions to different groups. Yes, me I've spoken, and you know how shy I am. Our community has been remarkable in helping us heal. We continue to have faith that God is using you for His glory. God reveals pieces of His plan just when we need them the most, but you know that better than me; you're right there with Him. And, again I will say, I'm so proud God chose me to be your mama! Today I am standing in front of my coworkers and PTO thanking them for a tree that was planted and a bench that is being dedicated in your memory. I am in awe at this kind gesture that brings JOY into our hearts. We love you, JD Paul, and we know that you stand here with us today. The words "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday." were written on the invitation to this special event. Love, Mama I read this today to thank my coworkers and PTO for a beautiful ceremony that honored the memory of our son and brother, JD. God continues to bless us with an amazing church, community and friends. Proverbs 3:3 says, "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Thank you all for being a living testimony of God's precious word. May He continue to bless and keep you all as we live for Him.  I just had to SMILE! I have a customer who’s name is Paul. No big deal right...Well his wife just emailed me to let me know JD will be in to see me next week. Oh how I wish the JD Paul we all know and love was coming. If only for a short visit. I would stuff everyone in this office I possibly could! Didn’t realize Mr Paul’s nickname is JD and thought that is so cool! Just wanted to share with you! It’s the little things but I will certainly SMILE BIG today as I think of him!
|
AuthorStories and comments from Chrisine and friends on the legacy of JD Paul... Archives
June 2023
Categories |
RSS Feed