Since the middle of November, I have wanted to begin a New Series of Balcony Chats. Now that I have moved, I do not have a balcony, but I have a porch that faces a beautiful golf course green. Immediately I thought of a title, “Chat on the Green.” As I began to write out notes and verses for the topic, “Beware of Emotional Vampires,’ I had planned on starting in the New Year January 2024. Great plans, great topic, and a passion to encourage my spiritual siblings. I couldn’t wait to get taping and posting on Facebook. I was absolutely stunned when January came and went and not one episode had been taped. My script was like a gigantic post-it-note on my brain. At one point in January I thought, “Maybe I am not supposed to do videos for Facebook and YouTube.” I know that God perfects the things that concern me, but I also know that He expects me to pray, “Not my will but Thine be done!”
As February was ending, even with an EXTRA DAY (Feb. 29), I still could not organize my thoughts clearly enough to begin taping the first “Chat on the Green.” Then this question went through my heart, “Am I forging God’s name on the script of my life.” While I was wrestling with this question, a scripture came to mind.
“I brought glory to You here on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.” (John 17:4)
After reading that passage, the Lord gave me the Green Light to proceed preparation for the “Chat on the Green.” What is significant was my willingness to consider that I may have “forged God’s Name on my plans.” I turned on my computer and began typing up all the notes I have written concerning “Beware of Emotional Vampires. As I video and posted my first Episode “Beware of Emotional Vampires,” I was a little concerned. So many people have left Facebook (understandably) thus limiting my desire to reach as many of my spiritual siblings as possible. Knowing that at my age, I am on a Limited Day Pass, I don’t want to invest in something that will not produce fruit for the Kingdom of God.
As people began to respond to the first video, I just grinned thinking about sharing with others the truths that have liberated my own soul. A huge bonus is that I can do this encouraging throughout the US from my own patio. Pray for me as I tape these episodes and post them each Thursday around 11:30am. I was so humbled to realize that 1600 friends listened to a hard topic with soul liberating potential.
Emotional Vampire defined: “A person who sucks the life out of us and we have no strength left for the noble purpose that we were saved to fulfill.” (Eph. 2:10)
New Chats On The Green Series
Do you know how to identify an “emotional vampire?” Do you know people that suck the life out of you? Over 1600 people tuned into Jackie’s new teaching series the first week and you can too! Catch the new episodes posted Thursdays on Facebook!
Ministry Letters:
“I appreciate the teaching you and Ken have shared over the many years since the Single’s ministry at Northwood Baptist Church (4 decades ago). And you are still teaching and encouraging others today.” (Allice)
“Your cards always encourage me to know Jesus more deeply.” (Mary a widow)
Hey Jackie! I read lady in waiting when crying in a bathtub alone, a single mother with my 1-year-old daughter sleeping in the next room. It changed everything for me. I am now a mother of 5 children 4 of which my husband and I adopted. I am reading your “Raising a Lady in Waiting” so I can prepare my girls to avoid the pitfalls I fell in. I also have 2 sons. Do you have any raising a Boaz book idea? I may need to buy to help raise my boys to be some lady’s Boaz? Julie (mailed her A Man Worth Waiting For)
Fans Storming the Courts
Recently in the news, there have been stories about FANS STORMING THE FOOTBALL FIELD and THE BASKETBALL COURT after big wins. So much passion but lacking consideration for those being trampled. News reporters are discussing concern for safety for the athletes that have hundreds of fans running in their direction with the force of stampeding buffalos! Well, yesterday I was reading in Luke 12 and read of a similar stampede!
“Meanwhile, when many thousands of the crowd had gathered so that they were trampling on one another.” (Luke 12:1)
I have been a part of the “holy stampede” since 1967 and I never want to be anywhere other than with the crowd that is cheering and running towards the King of Kings!
Love from Two Who Are Not Forging God’s Signature on our Schedule,
Ken and Jackie Kendall
This article touched me. It made me think deeply about the position of belief in my life. The author’s phrases are so real and heartfelt. It’s like she’s talking immediately to me. I recognize her honesty and vulnerability in sharing such private experiences. It’s a reminder that we all face challenges; however, our trust can inform us. Thank you for sharing this inspiring piece.