Jill Hawkins: Finding Meaning, Guidance, Joy and Adventure Through Walking with God

From growing up in the old south to living in Manhattan, Europe,Japan, Africa and traveling the world, Jill has experienced a lot of life. But nothing compares to her walk with God, her acceptance of Jesus as her saving Grace and how the Holy Spirit touched her on August 5th 1996. She attends an African American church which is a far cry from the Episcopal church of her youth. Jill recounts how her agnostic father was saved on his death bed and how the Holy Spirit said “now” on her last visit with him. Her parents were buried with their passports and instilled in Jill the gift of travel and experience. “I want to be purposeful, be fruitful. I feel like I have a burlap bag filled with seeds, spreading them wherever God shows me.” JOY is mentioned 450 times in the Bible. Happiness is only mentioned a handful of times. Choose Joy, speak it. Trust God, for He can give you JOY.

Topic #1: Is this all there is? 

• Grew up in the narrow and unwavering old south
• Decided not to be confirmed at 13; “I wasn’t ready”
• I didn’t understand 3 powers in one 

Topic #2: How would you sum up your early adult years?

• We each had to go through what we had to 
• Impulsive reckless searching like tarot card reading, past life regression, etc 
• I was chasing vanity 

Topic #3: What motivated you to change your way of thinking?

• In the 11th week of my second pregnancy, I realized empathy was lacking in my marriage
• I felt alone, until I met my baby nurse; she answered her phone, “Praise the Lord….Hello.”
• Can I go to  church with you?
• It was on fire and it ain’t no Episcopal church 
• Whatever these people have, this is what I want
• God put His Spirit in me

Topic #4: God always sees our promise 

• Don’t let me miss the opportunity 
• Words are powerful 
• We all want love 
• Trust God for He can give you JOY

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.