Posted by admin on September 23, 2011
Lately, I’ve been in a kind of slump. I am dissatisfied with the way my life seems to be going and instead of using this as a growing and maturing experience, I’ve turned into a petulant child. I am so thankful that God is merciful and patient.
Yesterday, I started reading The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis. I picked it up because I thought, “I am suffering and no one else can know how I’m feeling. I am alone and I feel like nothing will make me happy.” (See, petulant child!) I’ve only read the first four chapters so far but it has really made me think.
We are, not metaphorically but in very truth, a Divine work of art, something God is making, and therefore something with which He will not be satisfied with until it has a certain character. Here again we come up against what I have called the “intolerable compliment”. Over a sketch made idly to amuse a child, an artist may not take much trouble: he may be content to let it go even though it is not exactly as he meant it to be. But over the great picture of his life- the work which he loves, though in a different fashion, as intensely as a man loves a woman or a mother a child- he will take endless trouble- and would, doubtless, thereby give endless trouble to the picture if it were sentient. One can imagine a sentient picture, after being rubbed and scrapped and recommenced for the tenth time, wishing that it were only a thumbnail sketch whose making was over in a minute. In the same way, it is natural for us to wish that God had designed for us a less glorious and less arduous destiny; but we are wishing not for more love but for less.
C. S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain, pg.34, 35
My unhappiness has come from the frustration of infertility. I have wanted to be a mother for as long as I can remember. My husband and I have been trying to start a family for a couple of years now. I recently finished an entire year of fertility treatments with no positive results. I have hoped and planned and been painfully let down with each new cycle. I am surrounded by everyone else’s good news of new babies and am left with emptiness. I have prayed for God to give me patience. I know that He is in control and has a plan for our life together, but I seem to have grown more impatient and bitter. I have not truly laid this burden down at the feet of Jesus.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4 NIV
I realize that the suffering Paul was writing about is a little more substantial than my not having a baby when I want to, but this verse gives me comfort in that I am learning to persevere, gaining character and resting on hope. Just as Lewis said the artist goes through and gives endless trouble to the picture that he loves, I believe the Lord has given me this time to see my lack of faith, to learn to lean on Him, and ultimately become more like Christ. The hardships we face in life refine us and cause the dirt of this mortal life to fall away “so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” Philippians 2:15 NIV
And He’s brought me to the wilderness
where I will learn to sing
And He lets me know my barrenness
so I will learn to lean
Beautiful Mercy by Laura Hackett
Posted by admin on June 9, 2011
I have had the pleasure of singing with the band I’m in, The Upward Call, at the kid’s camp at Camp Living Waters this week. We were the worship band for the week for a great group of 1st-6th graders. What a blessing!
The kids and their chaperones and the camp staff were great. I made a sweet, little friend named Julia.
The theme for the week was “Shine” Matthew 5:14-16- “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Dave and I wrote a song for the week called “Shine” inspired by these verses. I pray that these kids can take that song home with them and remember to shine the light of Christ in a dark world.
Posted by admin on January 10, 2011
It’s a new year and for many, a new beginning. This year, I am reading through the Bible from beginning to end. Why haven’t I done this sooner?
I encourage everyone to make a positive change in your life this new year.
Posted by admin on October 22, 2010
I’m thinking about recording a Christmas CD. I always like playing around with Christmas songs and lately I’ve been working out some neat arrangements! So excited!!
Posted by admin on September 28, 2010
Be sure to click the “Stories Behind the Songs” tab at the top of the page to read about some of my songs. All of the songs from “The Way Everlasting” CD are on here as well as six new songs I’ve written this year! You can hear clips of some songs here on the site, listen on my Myspace page (www.myspace.com/jessicabryanmusic) or you may purchase a CD from me!
Posted by admin on
Whoa! I’ve really been slacking in the blog department! I’m back on board now, so maybe there will be a little something for those who happen to stumble across this page.
Posted by admin on April 12, 2010
I’ve started the Stories Behind the Songs page. I’ve only got a few added now, but all songs will be added very soon. Check it out!
Posted by admin on November 27, 2009
The stories behind the songs are coming soon! Keep checking back!
Posted by admin on August 28, 2009
Hello to all who happen upon this blog!
I just wanted to give a quick update about my CD release concert. It was great! We had about 80 people attend- which I think is pretty cool! I was much more nervous than I expected, but I think is was because the message I wanted to bring is so important. And, I was performing all original music that only some people have heard. It’s a scary thing putting yourself out there with the possibility of rejection. But, I feel that God has called Dave and I to bring the gospel light to a sin-darkened world. Jesus said the world will reject us because it rejects Him. What an honor to be doing the Lord’s work!
Thankfully, no one rejected us that night (as far as I know!) even though I was full of mistakes. It was a blast and I can’t wait to do it again!
Posted by admin on August 4, 2009
Jessica Bryan announces the release of her CD, The Way Everlasting. She will give a free CD Release Concert at Trinity Baptist Church on August 22, 2009 in Hammond, Louisiana. The time of the concert is 7:00 PM. Her CD is the product of several years of writing and recording. All of her music has been played at Trinity as part of worship. Some of the songs were written for specific worship settings of the church.
Jessica has her own unique style. One of her voice professors said he could always pick her out of a choir because she has a special quality in her voice. Jessica has grown up in church, her father is a pastor. She holds both the bachelor of music and the Master of Music degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. And Jessica has lead the music program at Trinity Baptist Church for several years. She is married to Dave who is also a very talented guitarist and songwriter.
Jessica has been writing lyrics and composing melodies since she was in high school. From that time to now, her motto is Soli Deo Gloria! Solely to the Glory of God.
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