Kelly's Korner Silliness

...So my sister mentioned the Kelly's Korner page that her friend had posted her on. I decided to jump in! (Why not?) Thankfully, the Lord's got me covered, silliness and all. Isn't it great to know that He has the master plan, and as long as we trust in Him with all our heart, He will keep our path straight? 'Cause if it was just up to me, I'd definitely be in a ditch somewhere!

This is me. I am blessed. :)
Feel free to read about me in my blogs...I feel like that is the best way to get to know me and what I stand for. If you have any questions, you can email me at jennifermccombs@me.com

Those of you new to this blog...I am glad God has allowed me to be a vessel through which He speaks.

Ok, :) and I am wishing I had more computer expertise to where adding a photo to a blog wouldn't be so painful. But I digress.

Have to go to sleep now, Allison has her first "horsey riding" lesson tomorrow :) I will make sure to post on that for sure!

Everybody's got a story...

Just in case you were curious.... :)

My Testimony

I have always, according to my Mom, “marched to the beat of a different drummer”. I scorned that as a child. I am now so thankful that God created me as I am. My life has been a journey in which each day I feel He is drawing me even closer, and revealing even more about Himself. I read passages in the bible I am certain He just put there! I live differently from others because I have been set apart for Him. That is a blessing I wouldn’t trade for anything.

I grew up in Melbourne, Florida in a Christian home. My Mom and Dad took us to church and VBS, made meals for the sick and we participated in a lot of church events. Looking back, I can see His hand, and how the building blocks of my faith were laid at that time. There was difficulty: I had very poor self-esteem, was bullied, never felt like I fit in. However, I was learning about Jesus! Music always made me happy; I learned songs that I still know about His goodness and grace. 

I asked Jesus into my heart in the third grade at Sunday School. And I recommitted my heart to him every year at youth camp, because I was never quite certain about it; whether I prayed the prayer the right way. It makes me laugh now to remember how doubtful I was, I didn’t doubt Him, but I felt I wasn’t doing everything I was supposed to. I essentially was trying to earn His grace. I always felt like I didn’t have a “good” testimony, because there was never an earth-shattering moment where I left my sinful life and turned to Him. I am thankful now of the difficulties He spared me, and also realize that every day we leave behind our sins and turn to Him. That’s part of the “working out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

I was able to be a leader in my youth group, musically and spiritually. I discovered my passion for listening, encouragement, and moments coordinated by the Holy Spirit. Although I enjoyed these things tremendously, this was a lonely time for me. Many of my friends were busy with partying and alcohol senior year of high school. I wasn’t interested in those things, so felt isolated. I was faced with decisions of college and the future, and struggled with depression. Counseling helped, and I felt that God had called me to become a Christian Counselor to teen girls. I graduated high school in 2001 and planned to get a degree in psychology.

I took time through this lonely phase, to keep a journal of letters to God. I had a ring that symbolized my commitment to “date” God, and not seek a boy to fill the void only God could fill. This was a sweet time for me, I really became aware of His love for me, and that I was designed with a purpose and cherished. 

Within a year and a half, I met my future husband. Michael McCombs was a Christian, and he played guitar while I sang, so I knew that was the guy for me! He was, however nearly ten years older than me. I remember moments thinking, I must be crazy! There’s no way this is God’s plan- I’m only 21 and he is 29! When I confessed those hurdles of doubt, my faith in both God and His purpose in our relationship were stronger. I was married in October 2003 to Michael. Looking back, I now see the purpose in the shortness of our courting and engagement. I believe it was all fully orchestrated by God.

January 2005 I gave birth to my son, Ewan. I have never felt closer to the Lord than during natural childbirth! He met me in an entirely new way as a mother. My shortcomings as a parent were so pronounced in my eyes: I still beseech Him often to help me to be the parent He needs me to be for my children. 

I was blessed to stay at home with Ewan for 18 months, and then worked alongside my husband at the FL UMC Children’s Home. That was a trying time for us. We had the passion to help the children there, but as new parents, we were in a little over our heads. I loved those girls and so wanted them to grasp the healing Christ offered. Although I still dreamed of becoming a counselor, finishing my degree wasn’t in the picture at the time.

The Lord spoke to me in the spring of 2006 to move to Tennessee. Most people I tell that to think I’m nuts. But I was certain. We moved to Knoxville, and everything fell into place in a way that confirmed I was NOT nuts! We enjoyed Knoxville and found a new church home that was perfect. We had a daughter, Allison, in November 2007. 

After this child, the Lord began leading me toward nursing. I began nursing school at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2008. I enjoyed all my classes and made grades in them that surprised me. I even did well in Statistics! This was confirmation to me that God was giving me supernatural ability to be successful at this! I did so well during school, and managed to do so while working and being a mommy and wife. His faithfulness to get me through school amazed me.

In my junior year, February 2010, my husband had a surprising, tragic accident. He hit his head while going downhill on a razor scooter. A week later he went to be with the Lord. Once I got past the shock and pain, it was amazing to recognize that you were being filled and carried by the Holy Spirit. While He was dying, I felt like I was not me, but Christ was the only one within me who could function. It was horrible and I’m glad that it’s past, but the blessings the Lord gave me in return are beyond compare. He gave me faith that grows more than I knew it could. He gave me peace and joy, and wisdom to know His will. He gave me a church family that supported me while I continued through school. He provided for me so I didn’t have to work. I am blessed to serve the Lord. I realized thatwithout a husband to love on, I could focus all that love and time on Christ. He does not ever disappoint. 

So, all that complaining about no testimony. He finally gave me a story, in a tragic way I wouldn’t have ever wanted, or asked for. But I love Him. I trust Him. I will follow Him to the ends of the earth. Because I serve the one and only true God. He chose me, and I am honored and grateful to be His child.

Kudzu Unchecked

Two nights ago, I decided to do something I had been putting off for a bit this summer: weeding my snapdragon bed. I kept up with it during May. However, once it got real hot, the weeds kind of "took off" and with a million other things to do, that was an easy one to delay.
I have a lot of vines in my yard: morning glory, grape vine, and kudzu. I've got to be honest, not a huge fan. They kind of grow crazy and then when they die I have to pick all the dead stuff out of my fence.


So, with the kids in bed early I decided it was a great evening to tackle the weeds over there. I had no idea I was going to encounter "Weeds Gone Wild"!! I mean, some of these were 3 to 4 feet tall!! The blessing was that most of them pulled up easy. But it was a work out. And the kudzu!! That stuff is a beast! If someone has a miracle way to get rid of it, please let me know. I just keep pulling it out and it comes right back. But as always, God had a revelation for me during this. (I find that He reveals Himself a lot through gardening)


Kudzu is a lot like sin. Sometimes it kind of creeps in slowly. We may not really pay it much attention. It certainly grows easily enough. And we may think, "I'll deal with it later. It's not that big of a problem. Maybe I'll just contain it in this little spot and it won't be hard to get rid of."


Um..yeah. Kudzu is NOT ever contained. It pries itself into every corner it wants to. You can't trim it back, or keep it in one place for long. I think sin is the same- you may try for awhile to keep sins private, but they will eventually be revealed. "He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy."  Proverbs 28:13




You can't have both kudzu and flowers in your yard and expect them to get along. Not gonna happen. One will take over. "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. " Matthew 6:24
There has to be a choice- you can't hold on to your sin and serve Christ.


We all have kudzu. Driving around, you can see it taking over trees, shrubs, etc. Likewise, we ALL have sin. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9


It is time to get rid of the kudzu before it gets any more out of control. Confess your sins to God, who is gracious to forgive, before they get out of control and hurt those around you (if they haven't already). Don't fool yourself into waiting for enough time, or that you don't need Him, or that you don't have a problem. He wants to enter your heart and clean out the mess. Ask anyone who has allowed Him to do so; I guarantee they haven't regretted it!


P.S. PLEASE don't think I don't struggle as well. In many ways God reminds me daily how imperfect I am. This keeps me close to Him, because I need Him, and that's how He wants it to be! 

Inconsistencies

So while I was mopping the floor at 10:00 pm on a Friday night (yes, I lead a posh life), I had time to think.
For some reason, I began thinking about children who are held in slavery in other countries, mopping as well, and working harder than I may ever work. It makes me frustrated, the amount of awful in this world. I want to change it all.

Then my thoughts went to those who are not believers in Christ, who inevitably say, "I simply cannot believe in a God who would allow all of this suffering." Therefore, there must be no God at all, or if there is, He must be a mean, cruel, heartless God.

Friends, NOTHING is further from the truth! The bible declares in many places just how precious we are to Him. In Isaiah 43: "I have called you by name, you are Mine!" and "You are precious and honored in my sight." He knew us before we were formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5). This is not an uncaring God. This is the God who loved us so much, He allowed His ONLY SON to die in our place. Imagine giving away your most precious thing, whether a child, pet, or item, to save another life. How many could honestly do that? And doing so to forgive the most unspeakable sins! We all want justice for the sins we consider worse than others. Yet, ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) None of us deserve the pardon from our sin, and from the eternal consequence of hell. I deserve to go to hell. My default destination, without the death and resurrection of Christ, is hell. He spared me this with all the love and adoration I could never earn.

"But what about all the suffering?" You say. "Why would He allow it??" Well, He spared me hell, but He never guaranteed a life with no troubles. He even warned us: In this world you will have trouble (John 16:33). I myself have experienced tragedy. It was ugly and horrible, and I believe it was intended by Satan to harm me, yet the Lord used it for good. The only reason I have peace and joy and can carry on is because of the power of Christ living in me. We will ALL experience trials whether or not we are a believer. NOT because God doesn't care, or turns His face away from us, but because we are HERE, on Earth, a very fallen place. He doesn't prevent each and every bad thing; often they shape us and develop our character, and lead us to Him.

Another thing: I find it interesting that people blame God when things go wrong, and yet, if He did step in and solve every wrong, do you TRULY think that we would acknowledge Him? This is a huge inconsistency in my opinion. If everything ran perfectly, we would have no need for Him.


Listen, I'll be honest, there are plenty of times that I don't understand why He does things the way He does. I would have definitely written my husband's accident with a different script. I'd be lying if I said I never questioned the way He works. Job sure did. He had one bad thing after another happen, and it really shook him. To the point where he started yelling at God. Basically, "what have I done wrong to deserve this? Haven't I done everything I'm supposed to? Shouldn't calamity be for the unjust?"

Well. God sure has a reply for him. A pretty long one, actually. The short version is: who are YOU to question Me?? Were you there when the world was created?

The thing is, if we could understand everything God did, he wouldn't be God. He'd just be some fluffy santa claus. He is God, the one and only true God, the one that will bring grace and judgement to all people. He is real. He doesn't have to answer to us. Ever. Get used to the mystery, folks.

My Ambition

So..I graduated! Yippee!! I finally have a career path! Right? Right?

Well..not exactly. I mean, I have unlimited opportunities, in a way. But I had only one plan, we will call it Plan A, in mind upon graduation. I wanted to work in labor and delivery at St. Mary's in Knoxville. I think my plan was perfect. They have 8 hour shifts (every other hospital does 12 hr shifts) so I would actually be able to see my children, and it's right by the kids school. Plus it's where I took my internship so I know everyone, the floor, and procedures there.

So I applied there. Because I thought that was the plan. And, because I'm such a go-getter and figured God might could use some help, I even marched down to the boss's office, handed her a resume, and explained to her how much I really wanted the open position they had. She said call back in a month and she'd probably have something. YES! I knew putting in some extra effort would pay off. And just to be sure, I called her in 3 weeks. Left a message. Called back a week later. Left another message. No response.

Ok...so...Lord, I thought this was the plan. What's plan B?? And please, tell me quick and make it real obvious so I don't miss it. Cause Lord, everyone in the world seems to want to know where I've applied, and where I've interviewed, and if I have a job yet. !!!

Somehow, "Well, I haven't really applied anywhere else because I'm waiting on the Lord to direct my path" doesn't really seem to satisfy the questioners.

But that's just it! He hasn't revealed the next step to me. So I'm waiting. I've had a few random thoughts- "How bout Haiti? Chelsey's going and it sounds like a great ministry...Or Tanzania- they need Christians there...Or Louisiana...I've always wanted to work for Mercy Ministries..."

But maybe, just maybe...God is still waiting for me to settle. To fixate solely on Him. There is no reason for me to fret here..He has the plan B..but it's actually Plan A, and He is waiting for me to cooperate!

So 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, We have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.

That's my job right now. Not to search google for different jobs and ministries late into the evening, but to rest in Him, worship Him, acknowledge His greatness and all out perfection. Because God's way is perfect. Mine would never be half as good as His. And how often does He let a person "miss" what He wants them to do??? What are the chances that I'll not walk in the right direction if I'm focused on walking WITH Him? (Worst case scenario, I end  up in a whale. But that's for another blog!!)

His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Well thank goodness, cause I've got plenty of weakness in me that I struggle with every day. That is why, when I am weak, I am strong.

I am glad to have this time with Him. I am glad He cherishes me enough to want my attention. I am humbled by this love that I do not deserve.

He must increase, I must decrease.

Locusts...Ew.

So, I probably should be making dinner. But just read Joel Rosenberg's newest blog and wanted to pass on a few things to ya'll. It may not be a nicely flowing blog, but whatever!

Firstly- if you haven't heard of Joel Rosenberg, google him. He has a blog that I have greatly appreciated as of late. He is currently focusing on the events in Israel, the book of Joel, and the importance of the church and Israel returning to God with all we have before it is too late.

Today he discussed Joel chapter 1. Now Joel is a short, three chapter book which relates a prophecy about the day of the Lord. You probably should just read it, as my description of it may not be that great.

But some points he pulled out of that chapter felt worth mentioning.

Joel 1:5- Awake!

Will we wake up?
Do we see how far we are from the God who made us and loves us and is jealous for our attention?

"Awake drunkards, and weep"
Do we realize how drunk we are? Not neccessarily just on substances like alcohol and drugs, but on the entertainment and things of this world.

Do we realize if we don't quickly turn from our ignorance, God is going to allow devastation until we choose to fall at his feet in worship and repentance or curse Him? Joel 1 describes devastation from locusts, drought, famine and fire.

This is what we are called to do

-Awake! This is a wake up call to repent.
-Consecrate a fast
-Proclaim a solemn assembly
-Gather the elders
-Gather all inhabitants of the land
-Bring everyone into the house of the Lord
-Cry out to the Lord

Cry out for repentance: for the Lord to forgive us, help us, heal us, save us, cleanse us, fill us and teach us.


I myself feel convicted for the amount of time I squander on entertainment...He is longing to draw me close into relationship with Him...and how often to I choose to answer?

Please...search your heart. Don't allow yourself to take offense or ignore the call of God. For the day of the Lord will come, a day of darkness and gloom (Joel 2:2), and we need to be ready.