Joe, Jeans, & Jesus

Friend, I don’t know about you, but ever since I gave God my yes, my life is no longer the same. Things have definitely changed— different, yes—but in the best way possible. Let’s sit and chat about Jonah. His story reminds us that obedience—or lack of it—doesn’t just impact us, but others too. Yet even in our running, God’s love still reaches us. That’s the kind of grace we can’t outrun. The time is now. We don’t have forever to keep running or not fully ever surrendering. He’s calling. Let’s respond.No joe today—just Jesus.And can’t forget the jeans, jeans are from Zara. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joejeansjesus.substack.com

FRIENDS, I’M TOO EXCITED! This is the first visual for Joe, Jeans, & Jesus and we’re going to keep these going like this from now on. I’ll definitely still be writing as well but let’s get into it. Now friend, how can I, or you suffer joyfully? These two words most certainly juxtapose, don’t they? But today we’re sitting with James 1:2-4 as our anchor scripture while I speak through what the Lord has been revealing about myself and my situation in real life, in real time. No joe in hand today—but my jeans are very cutesy and got them right off the rack at Target. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joejeansjesus.substack.com

Friend, let me start off by saying we can do hard things. The yoke is easy, His burdens are light. (Matthew 11:30 NKJV)I’m already knowing what will come after this, but it’s okay because I’m free in Jesus Christ. My identity is in Him. If you want to stop reading, that’s fine. If not, I hope the Lord speaks to you through this. So yeah friend, this is my open and public declaration that I, Bria Baker am no longer apart of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Lord has been stripping me y’all of everything, and when I mean everything I mean everything. Unforgiveness, offense, fear, doubt, and much more. Here we have something that I held my identity in. And friend, truth be told I probably would’ve been just fine without it. But when your naive, looking for how to make it in the world, looking for purpose, looking for identity we can get wrapped up in things God never meant for us to be in. But again, we have free will right? Let’s get back to identity, because I believe that He’s telling me my identity and who I am is only found in Him, nothing else. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV Identity: the fact of being who or what a person or thing is.What happens when your identity is rooted in the wrong thing? Your serving, but not God. Your winning awards and accolades, but not souls. We cannot have anything before Him. And those who say that Greek life doesn’t come before God, I ask you to do a heart check. A real one. Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you that our identity is only found in you. You loved us so much that you knitted us in our mothers wombs, in a hidden place. Our births activated in order to aid in growing your kingdom. We come out of covenant with these idols that come before you. You tell us in your word that we should not put our trust in idols or making idols out of ourselves or others. You are the Lord, our God and everything you have planned for us is perfect. Your will is what’s best for us. We cannot walk with you and still agree to serve false gods. There’s a choice that has to be made and Lord we ask that you give us a sound mind, a sound heart, and wisdom to know how to act. We thank you that through it all, you continue to keep us. You never leave us or forsake us and for this we are glad. In Jesus Name AmenNow back to it, essentially this was becoming an idol in my life. Now your story may look different from mine and that’s ok. Truth of the matter is my sister and I have never really had that “sister” relationship because we’re far apart in age. I’m in my late twenties and my sister is in her mid-forties now. Growing up it was very much giving only child, and she was giving second mom. So what did I do? I was looking for belonging, someone to talk to, to share about how I thought a boy was cute, or a bad grade. I didn’t have that growing up and now that’s a whole long story for another day. Truth is I looked to this because I felt like it could give me that, I felt like I could finally belong to something, be liked. But do we see how that can be detrimental? Our God is a jealous God. And he has every right to be. He provides for us, quite literally tells us:28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? — Matthew 6:28-30 NIV. The song even says, “if he dresses the lilies with beauty and splendor, how much more will he clothe you? If he watches over every sparrow, how much more does He love you? The point is God is like a parent. What do parents do? The provide, they take care of you, the make sure you have clothing, food, etc. They provide advice, love, and care. In essence, it’s like saying parents do all these things, but you say it’s not good enough. Or you think your grandparents are better than your parents? You picking up what I’m putting down?God loves us, cares for us, wants to give us and has given us the world! Why would we ever put anything above Him?Now yes, has this brought me into contact with some very kind and great people? Sure, it has. But at the end of the day the Lord is calling me out. And in this season and moment of my life, obedience matters more than what the next person has to think or say. The scripture says in Leviticus 19:4 (NLT), “Do not put trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.”Idol: an object of extreme devotionI think about how much time I spent doing things for the organization and wanting to be apart when really this was an idol in my life. I may put off an assignment here or there because there’s an event or there’s something going on. You see what I mean? At the end of the day, the day gotta end. Lol I just felt that was fitting right there. Anyways, we have to come out of agreement with things like this, even if they’re “built on biblical principals”. The Lord and His word remain true. I mean think about it even the devil knew God’s word and could probably repeat it back, flip it, and reverse it to you. Making a covenant is serious business, like marriage?!Covenant: a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement. a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action.Ok so marriage. You’re standing before the Lord, your family, friends, and the one who’s ordaining to say, “I do” to your husband or wife. But think about everything that is said? Until death do us part? In sickness and in health? That’s a hell of a commitment and agreement your coming into. Like binding, that cannot and shouldn’t be taken lightly. And it’s the same for everything else around us. We have to make sure we are not coming into agreement with anything that is contradicting to God’s word. I’m almost done, thanks for staying this long if you have. Love you down for that. All I’m saying is I thought about some of the things that were said. “All of my life or all of my heart” I’m giving to an organization? ALL OF MY LIFE? Babe, my life don’t even belong to me?! You feel me? “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself. — 2 Corinthians 6:19 NLT. Like y’all, ”And we’ll be holding on to Alpha Kappa Alpha, and we’ll be holding on until we die”I thank the Lord that he’s sovereign and gives grace. Because like girl what was you saying bro? I don’t think we realize what we are saying in the moment but we are literally making a covenant. An agreement…that this is something that I’m holding onto until I die? Mmm nah, I’m actually good. It’s my prayer that this helps, gives confirmation, is affirming whatever the Lord is telling you to do. He’s a good Father, He loves, cares, and always has our back. Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for the grace you give. Your sovereignty. Lord I ask that you open and soften your children’s hearts. That this is their confirmation to step into the fullness of what you have for them. We come up against every lie of the enemy that says they don’t belong, or they won’t be liked, or they have to be apart of something just to have meaning. Lord you give us purpose, you give us gifts and callings that are irrevocable. The calling you have placed on your children’s lives is so much greater. We come out of agreement with idol gods, false gods, and things that are not of you. We loose it right now in Jesus name. Father I thank you for courage, for peace that surpasses all understanding, and for the patience you have for me and your children. We thank you for what you’re doing and what you’ve already done. It’s signed, it’s sealed. In Jesus NameAmenFriendnote: I love y’all down. Thank you. No coffee. No jeans, but a whole lot of Jesus. Goodnight friend. (it’s 1:44am) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joejeansjesus.substack.com

Friendddddd! This is going to be a little touchy. So please prepare your heart and mind. Let’s just pray. Heavenly father we come before you thanking you for the grace and mercy you show us. You tell us you leave the 99 for the ONE! Father you are so good, that even in the times we aren’t with you, you aren’t far. We thank you that you’ve given each of us a calling. Not only to make your name be know God, but you’ve gifted us with supernatural gifts that are made to worship you. We come up against the spirit of fear, we come up against every lie that the enemy is telling us. We come up against shame and guilt keeping your people from running back to you. Father we thank you that you gave us your son, not only gave us your Son, but He was willing to die just you save us. There’s no greater love. We thank you. We give you praise. We honor you. In Jesus NameAmen.I’m coming to tell you right now that there’s no middle ground. And you know what I mean. You’re either in or out. Decisions right? Life isn’t easy. Making decisions can sometime not be easy. But friend, this is one decision that could cost you your life and others. The calling on your life is so much bigger, bigger than you and I. The Lord has blessed us with gifts. They are needed not only to edify the body, but to save those who are lost. I mean shoot friend you might feel lost. It's important to know that a decision has to be made. Pick a side. Who do you choose? God is calling…are you gonna pick up? Or do you not think it’s worth it? For so long I stayed in a place of lukewarmness. I was at church every Sunday, faithfully. But during the week? I was cussing, drinking, casual sex, but when is enough, enough? My soul was weary and tired. I knew God has called me to be more, to do more. But when was enough, enough? Enough wasn’t enough until about a week ago friend. Crazy right? There was a surface level friendship or relationship the Lord and I had. Said my prayers, I read my devotional, my bible from time to time. Went to church. Gave tithes and offering sometimes, and you know how it goes. A cycle. A vicious cycle. I think it’s so funny to think about now because I tussled, like I was tussling so hard with giving everything up, giving it away. But…What would people think? What would my family say? What would they think? Would I be one of those extreme Christians they talk about? No. Not at all. Because I’m doing what thus said the Lord. I’m picking up my cross and every day I’ve made a decision that not my will, but His will be done in my life. The Lord is moving y’all, He’s shifting things in my life and He can and will do the same for you. You just have to answer the call. Thank you Lord. This brings me to Paul. Who was originally Saul. Whew. Go read Acts or Acts of the Apostles, chapter 9. I’m sure you know the story and if you don’t hears a brief synopsis. Saul was on the road to Damascus, to do what? Go kill the Lord’s followers. It says in verse 2, “He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring both men and women back to Jerusalem back in chains.”After this, as he was approaching Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly shined down on him. He fell to the ground and heard the Lord. He then asked like who are you? Lord? And Jesus answered. Everyone was speechless, because mind you there were people with Saul. They was too stunned to speak!Anyways Saul got up off the ground, opened his eyes and couldn’t see y’all. He was blind, and the men had to help him to Damascus. Now this is the part that matters the most, and it’s actually why I’m writing this. You never know what is on the other side of your yes. They reach the town, the Lord instructs a believer in the city to go to Saul and lay hands on him. His name was Ananias. He said Lord, like hold up ain’t this the same man that’s trying to kill and has done terrible things to believers in Jerusalem?! Now why would I go and do that. The Lord told him to go, He told Ananias that he is going to use Saul to spread the Gospel. When Ananias did this, they said it was something like scales that fell off Saul’s eyes. He could see again and guess what He did? In verse 20 it says, “And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying He is indeed the Son of God!”Friend, did things not shift quickly?!In essence, what I’m saying is look at how Saul was acting, the actions he was about to take. None of this was pleasing to God. Friend, I’m going to hold your hand when I say this. I don’t want you to have a moment like Saul. Even though in the end, Saul who name will be Paul is preaching about Jesus. This doesn’t have to be your experience. For some maybe, I’m just gonna be truthful and for others it doesn’t.God is asking for your yes. He sees you, he hears you. You give him your yes, He will give you his best. It can look scary, how do you think I feel? But He told me the time is now. My time is now. And I’m glad I gave him my yes friend. It hasn’t been easy, but the peace I have, the freedom I feel, the glow?! Whew it’s good. I don’t have all the answers but His word does. I challenge you to open up His word, sit with Him, pray. Actually let’s just pray. Lord, your children need you like never before. They are tussling, afraid, hurt, and angry. We know that the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. He comes to to try and attack us so that we cannot become close to you. But we tear down every stronghold, every lie, every feeling of guilt and shame, we loose it right now. We stop on the devils head because he’s a defeated foe. Lord your children need you, they want you. And all you are asking for is their yes. It’s my prayer, fervently that you come into their hearts and minds. You heal. You change heart postures. You change desires. You make them so uncomfortable that all they can do is call on Your Name. We thank you for what you are about to do and have already done. You’ve gone before us. It’s done. It’s done. Breakthrough is waiting for you. Healing is waiting for you. Joy and peace is waiting for you. Give your Father your yes. In Jesus NameAmen. Friend, can you do this? Find a quiet place. Open up your hands, palms open. Say this: Lord, not my will, but Your Will be done. I know I am a flawed being, but you are a perfect Father. Come before me and use me for your glory, and your glory alone. In Jesus Name, Amen. With love and so much gratitude — BFriendnote: No coffee, no jeans right now, just jammies. I’m going to try something a little different tomorrow. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joejeansjesus.substack.com

Now friend. Can I be real for a minute? I’m not in the business of sugar coating anymore. This is real. raw. honest to God truth. So if you ain’t feeling that, then you may or may not want to read any further. I hate how wide my nose is—it feels like it could cover a horizon.I don’t like the fact that some of the weight stayed after I had my son.And sometimes, I look at my fingernail beds and wish they were more crisp and slender than they are.I have dark marks on my face.My elbows and underarms are a little darker than what’s considered “normal.”And sometimes, I find myself wishing I could go back to who I was before having a baby.But, then I come back to my senses…To tell you the truth I am receiving so much freedom from what we call “spilling tea” or “the business”. I quite frankly don’t care because these are things that God has put on my heart to share. If it speaks to you, hold on to it—if not, that’s okay too. I recently completed a fast, and I’ve never felt so much freedom and breakthrough. And just like that, J3 is starting to take on a life of its own. About a month ago, I got Botox in my forehead because I had a harsh line that I felt I wanted to get ride of. Like lines and wrinkles already? I’m not even thirty. So like others I took action. I found someone I felt like did great work and got it done. Now don’t get me wrong—it looks good. She ate with that one.But my spirit, eh? Unsettled.I felt a deep conviction after—and while that might not be everyone’s experience, it was certainly mine.Fast forward a few weeks, and suddenly my eye starts feeling… weird. There was this slight droop in my eyelid.Why, you ask? The FREAKING Botox.I quite literally almost passed out like—why does my eyelid look like this?!I’m not even gonna lie, I yelled out,“Bro, I literally look like I have a freaking lazy eye!”I felt like those people on that E! show Botched…It’s not even like the Lord had to make an example out of me… but He did.That’s why we’ve got to stop while we’re ahead, friend (lol).Now of course, this doesn’t happen to everyone—so relax, friend.But what I do know is that it happened to me.And babe? Never again.I’m good. 🙃Why didn’t I just give this to the Lord?The feelings of inadequacy… the heaviness I carried.Because deep down—even though I kept telling myself and everyone else I was fine—Friend, I really wasn’t.I’m so grateful that I’ve entrusted all my emotions and struggles to God. Through His grace, He has given me a renewed spirit and a sense of peace. Nevertheless, my eye will go back to normal once the Botox wears off, but you know where I’m going with this. Why change what the Creator of creators has intentionally made? He literally tells us, friend—“You knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). That’s not random—that’s divine design. I encourage you to read Psalm 139 in its fullness and soak in the sweet, ever-present song of how He thinks about us, cares for us, and intentionally created us. Now don’t get me wrong—it’s okay to make necessary changes.Eating better, living healthier, getting braces—those things are good.All I’m saying is… before we start thinking about altering our bodies, our faces, or whatever else—pause and remember:God planned, designed, knitted, and created you to look and be exactly who you are.You won’t find another you anywhere else.Is that not enough?With love —BFriendnote:Have y’all ever tried Dalgona coffee? The “lockdown coffee.” Very much 2020 vibes. It was trending a few years ago (lol), but honestly—it still hits.If you’ve got a little spare time, try making it and share how it in the comments. It’s so good. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joejeansjesus.substack.com

The wait isn’t fun sometimes, other times you’re not thinking about it and life is moving…and then suddenly everyone around you is getting a ring with a hashtag. You ask, well God when is my time? When do I get to turn towards my family and closest girlfriends and see their faces dancing with excitement? When do I get to say yes to the dress? Who will I choose to be my bridesmaids? When will I get to share the rest of me—with someone written in by the Author of it all?If I can be real for a second sometimes this is how I feel…and I don’t know about you but the wait can seem like forever. Tonight, like most nights, I settled into my usual “me time” after putting my son to bed.But to no one’s surprise—except maybe mine—I’m sitting here for the 15th time scrolling endlessly and still can’t find a single thing to watch.Like… how is that even possible with all these streaming services?So, I hoped over to Disney Plus… and of course I decided to rush roulette what I’d watch and 27 Dresses was what I turned on. Now mind you, and not too much on me…this is my first time seeing this movie. Again, not too much. Nevertheless, I cozied up on my couch and the movie began to unfold. I won’t give a long synopsis of the movie, and I definitely suggest you watch it for yourself if you’d like. To make a long story short, Jane Nichols is a serial bridesmaid — hence the name of the movie. She can never say no, but it isn’t until her little sister gets married that her life and things around her take a turn. Some could say for the worst, others could say for the best. Now, that’s all I’m telling… go watch it (it’s very sweet, witty, charming, and relatable). I want to share the 11 lessons that the Holy Spirit brought to my attention while watching the film. 1. God’s timing is everything. Sounds cliche right? Sometimes we get ahead of ourselves—and I know I’m not the only one, so don’t leave me hanging. We will date, maybe casually and deep down know that this isn’t it. Or, you meet an imposter, a FRAUD! (I’m sure we’ve all have one of those). The point I’m trying to make is that Jane did indeed get what she desired (sorry spoiler alert, don’t be mad lol) just not when she wanted it. It may have taken her 27 dresses…and my prayer is that it does not take any of us that long (lol). 2. It’s ok to feel — just don’t stay there friend! Now I know I cannot tell you how to feel and vice versa, but the feelings are mutual. I’m here to tell you it’s okay to have emotions whether it be sadness, disappointment, etc. but the key is to not stay and basket in these emotions long. Talk to God (1 Thessalonians 5:17), cast your cares to Him, maybe even yell at Him. But, not too much on the Father, ok? In the film, we see Jane hop from wedding to wedding…we get to seem her emotions of her not being the one, although she always tended to brush it off and keep moving. In no what shape or form am I saying be like Jane…don’t be like Jane. It wasn’t until she met the reporter guy (Kevin/Malcolm) that he got her to open up about her true feelings. All in all, remember that we can feel, but what will you do to make sure you don’t stay in that place? friendnote: if you have suggestions of what you did or do in your waiting season drop them below to bless someone. 3. Comparison is the thief of joyThis can honestly speak for itself. We all know this to be true, when we begin to look at what others have that we don’t or what we think we lack…We’re like flamingos fading, slowly losing our pink. It’s my prayer that we rebuke any comparison in both your life and mine. We are created by one of the best artist of quiet frankly all time. He has handcrafted and created us just how we were supposed to be. What would you ever look like tell Him that what he made isn’t good? That’s like telling Picasso or Van Gogh their art is worthless. Like Esquire said, “YoU GoT a PicCassO in your HOUSe?! (ifykyk)The point is…God has created you and I’m here to affirm if anyone else hasn’t that you are so precious, Just think about it: He chose to shape your eyebrows just the way they are. He crafted your nose—whether big, small, or somewhere in between—with intention.You are you, and there is no one else like you. Hmm this is getting a little long stay with me… I did say there was 11 lessons. 4. We all long for companionship, but the Lord is our first. God has made us to be relational people, if you look throughout the Bible there is evidence of such. I mean, even think about how He speaks to us? His love for us? Like come on…I don’t believe anyone who tells me they are fine by themselves. God has graced you with friendships, loved ones, and I’m sure a host of people who you can lean on (and if not I’ll be in prayer for you). I don’t want you to forget though, that before anyone or anything the Lord is our first everything. Companion, confidant, friend, brother, sister, He’s a father friend. And if you don’t believe me, He says it here: Matthew 11:30, John 15:13-14, Proverbs 3:15 I mean He gave His son, how much more could you want? Now back to Jane, oh Jane…all I have to say is Jane needed possibly some different people around her. 5. Sometimes you have to quiet the noise.Whether it’s our own thoughts, others unsolicited opinions, or random things from strangers…sometimes we need to quiet the noise. Peace like freaking be still, ok? As a people we move a thousand miles a minute, what am I going to wear to work, what am I doing this weekend? Omg, the dog needs to go to the groomer. What’s for dinner? I forgot to call my parents. Silence. Like us, Jane was running circles around us. The opening scene showcases her going back and forth to participate in two weddings. My first thoughts were, girl you’re doing entirely too much right now…the movie just started. On a serious note, please take and make time for yourself. The Lord doesn’t want us running ragged when He tells us his his burdens are light? You might be doing too much or even not what He told you (found myself guilty of this a few times). Take time, fast, go for a run or walk, ask the Lord to your thoughts captive and give you a clear mind. You can’t hear Him if there’s so much static from everything and everyone else. 6. “No” is a full sentence friend. No. That’s it, that’s all. I’m kidding I really did just think about leaving this one sentence above here because in fact “No.” is a complete sentence. I don’t know about you, but it used to be hard for me to say no. Quite frankly, as a recovering people pleaser sometimes it still is. The Lord reminded me tonight while writing this that sometimes we should and need to say no for our own sake (and it could be leading us down the wrong path). Do you remember D.A.R.E growing up? They need to make something similar for people who have a hard time saying no. Now I’m not old and I’m not telling you how old I am just know I’m not thirty yet. The point is that, not everyone deserves access to you, everyone doesn’t deserve your time, you creativity, your strategy. And like Jane, she always said yes… to all 27 dresses and even her sister. Now this part hit home, she said yes even though she wanted to say no (because her sister stole her man that she wanted). Begin to say no, Jane finally said no but not in the best way, which leads us to lesson seven. Friend, we’re almost to the finish line. I mean how do you think I feel up writing this at 12:11am knowing I have to get up to begin my day at 6:45am?! Nevertheless, we shall proceed. 7. Don’t get so caught up, you loose yourself. Someone needs to write a paper on Jane. I mean being a bridesmaid 27 times?! I don’t know if anyone has ever done that in real life, but I’m glad this is fictional. In essence, Jane was so caught up in helping and being there for everyone else that she never got to live life how she wanted. She had a book y’all, of wedding dates back to back. I’ve never in my life seen that may people get married. Once again, glad it’s fiction. Number seven was written to remind me and you to not forget who God has created you to be. Your creativity, hobbies, quirks, talents make you who you are. I challenge you to make space for something new or something you haven’t done before. Pick up those dreams, that machine that’s collecting dust? I mean get in your word?! Ha, see I had to throw that in there. The heart of it is, remember to hold fast of who and whose you are friend. 8. We may bend, but we won’t break. Now, let me preface by saying Jane went a little crazy and indeed jacked some stuff up. I won’t tell what she did, but I’ll say she basically ruined her sisters party. Ultimately, we serve a God who tells us to cast our cares on Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). He hears your prayers, your cries, even the thoughts you don’t speak out loud. Times can be hard, but the weapons don’t prosper (Isaiah 27:11). We may bend, but we don’t break. Jane at this point in the movie is at her sister’s engagement party and is fed up. So fed up that she does something to hurt her sister. I want to say that we should never be in that place where because of how we feel, we hurt someone else. I wish that in the movie Jane had a better friend or maybe even a therapist at this point to talk her through her emotions, built-up anger, etc. Now for us, we have the Lord. This is not to say that we may not slip up or find ourselves idolizing, but bottom line is we serve a God who can mend, mold, and extend grace to us. You may bend, but you won’t break with God in your corner. 9. God wants to give you the best, DON’T SETTLE. If I could have a little character like Lizzie McGuire did, I would. Just for her to yell in my ear constantly, DON’T SETTLE. Whether it’s the career, the car, the man, the couch— friend, don’t settle. Our God wants the best for us? I mean I don’t think I would sacrifice my son just to give mediocrity to those who choose to follow. Romans tells us all things work together for our good, why? Because we love that MAN! (Romans 8:28)Time and time again, even in Philippians He tells us He will supply all our needs. Our girl Jane almost missed it, but she came to her sense. That’s all I’ll say. So at the end of the day friend, don’t settle because God wants to give you His best. friendnote: the best may or may not look like what you want, so not too much.10. Sometimes what we want, isn’t even that great. (No tea, no shade)KEVIN! And not Kevin from Home Alone. Kevin or Malcolm, to be honest the man was lying about his name but that’s nether hear nor there. I do want to share something that I found funny though. Kevin/Malcolm is working for the New York Journal and has a not so fun position. He’s tired of his current position, and has been asking his boss for a shot at the front page or a bigger section in the paper. After a back and forth she gives him a chance. Now I don’t want to spoil it, but let's say somehow Jane ends up on that cover and not in a good way. She sees it of course and is devastated. Kevin/Malcolm asked his boss to hold off on the story because he wanted time to fix it, but that didn’t happen. At this point, Jane wants nothing to do with Kevin/Malcolm but he is receiving praise from his boss and everyone else about the article. In this scene he sits back in his chair with a somber look. He did all this to get a promotion, but really lost at what really needed. I think you know where I’m going right about now friend. Sometimes what we strive and work so hard for isn’t even what we need or expect. It’s like well what was the point? Validation? Satisfaction? Recognition? Most of the time, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. We should only be in alignment with God’s will for our life. He’s the shepherd leading us, take heart. Friend, ahh I’m so excited and I’m so grateful you stayed until the end!11. God always blesses us with what we need. (Do you see the material?!)If you know how a good rom-com went in the 90s and 2000s then you can guess how this ended for Jane. Who she thought she wanted, she found out that he really wasn’t even it. But it was who was in front of her the whole time that she needed. Now I don’t think I could be ballsy and give a speech like she did but even so, it was finally her moment—to feel what she had longed to feel as a bride.Jane did not expect to marry let alone want to be with this man when the movie first started. I think this holds some realness and truth that God is going to bless us with what we need. Now don’t get me wrong still be fervent and descriptive. He can be 6’5 with brown eyes and a pearly white smile. But most of all lets make sure that he has a heart for Lord and that he checks off the “Like Christ” boxes. With love always — Bfriendnote: a friend of mine shared this with me one day and it was about the desire for a husband being like a pizza. Hopefully you can use this for yourself.The Crust: are non-negotiables (You don't luh God? What's wrong with chu?)The Meat/Cheese: are things you want, but can do with or withoutToppings: extra things you’d like him to be (height, style, etc) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joejeansjesus.substack.com

I’ve deleted, created, and deleted this post like 15 times…because I’m just trying to find the words, nevertheless here it is.I first was given the though of J3 (Joe, Jeans & Jesus) about 6 or 7 years ago. I’ve attached what I created in Canva on 7 years ago vs. what J3 looks like now. Thank God for growth right?!But on a serious note, what I’m still left asking is why did you wait? As a recovering perfectionist. I felt like I wasn’t fully prepared or that J3 wasn’t good enough yet. I can firmly say today that this was nothing but a trick of the enemy to keep me complacent, in a space of having to have all the pieces together before I released or did anything. Now don’t get me wrong there are times where God does not give us a green light. Could we say blatant disobedience? Probably. I knew that this was something I was supposed to do, but like in the book Matthew 25, where it talks about the Parable of Talents…I was like the one who has received one talent but went a dug a hole and hid it instead. Like why would you go and do something like that? Something so precious, an idea that God has graced your mind with. We thank the Lord anyhow, that despite digging a hole and trying to hide it he has given me constant reminders and I’ve been running. Well, that stops now. It’s my prayer that you sit back and enjoy this journey with me, and that whatever the Lord graces my spirit with and I’m lead to share that it blesses you in some way, shape, or form. This is your formal invitation to sit back and relax while we sip on our coffee or tea and talk about all things faith-filled. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about my favorite pair of jeans. — Until next time, B This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joejeansjesus.substack.com