For TTW team only
Greetings from western Michigan. A little town called Coopersville. May God's grace and mercy and peace be with you always through the power of the Holy Spirit through our Savior Jesus Christ.
My name is Jody. I have been a YouVersion user since 2012. That's how I met you ... Through the Word. I am in my Bible every morning when I wake up... and when I go to sleep at night. It sets my heart and spirit on Things Above. I love my Almighty God will all my heart, soul, and spirit and might. Through Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, I am called daughter of the God Most High. Psalms 139 was and is my Life verse. The Bible came alive that day when I read it. A Pastor explained it. God became real. I grew up in a Lutheran Church ... I knew of God. I knew some of the stories. That day in Psalms 139 when my Pastor explained it to me... I was forever changed.
My childhood is a terror. I grew up in a very dominating, narcissistic home. At 64 years old... at times, I still seek counsel for the trauma endured. But even way back then, God was with me.... I just couldn't acknowledge it... yet. If I were to describe myself... I am that Woman at the Well. But Praise God... my story is full of God's Love, Grace, and Mercy. I have a son with Down Syndrome. He's 36 soon to be 37. I have a wonderful husband of 26 years that calls me Beautiful every day. I play guitar, I open doors, I smile, I work, I cry, I sing, and I dance... I tuck my son in at night... all because of my Jesus. He redeemed me even though I was not worthy. I was nothing. I was spit. I would go unnoticed in the church. Not fitting in. Even rejected because David and I didn't fit in. Praise God... I am learning how to fit in. We attend a Bible teaching church. That helps. I still struggle there because of how others treat us at time and my past wounds ... but Jesus leads me. He calls me by name. I trust Him. Share my talents and stories. And... My story is a complicated one.... Praise God I know I am redeemed. Loved beyond measure, space and time. All that was has molded me who I am today. I am kind. gentle. loving. peaceful, patient, good, faithful, joyful, and self-control because the Holy Spirit lives in me. Redeemed. I am daughter. heir. Beloved. because of my Heavenly Father, Savior and Holy Spirit.... my Refuge and Strength.
YouVersion, Through the Word, and all the Bible plans, my church, my church women's groups, my family, my work... all huge blessings, in my walk with Jesus. And my I bless others with my stories.
I have chosen to adopt the stories of the Bible as my own. Through them, God leads and guides me.
TTW, you help make a difference every day for me. Why... Because I am in the audio plans every day. The Bible teachers have explained passages to me where I struggle. A different perspective at times. I am so very grateful. Thank you! Is not enough. Therefore, let me pray over you Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”
May you continue to walk in His Glory and Grace! In Jesus' Holy Name... Amen
Your Sister in Christ Jesus,
Jody