We all have a story to tell! Personal Connection is just one of the ways we share stories here at Circles of Faith. Ordinary women are doing extraordinary things for God. We hope Diana’s story encourages and inspires others to take that next step to what God is calling them to do.
In our SPOTLIGHT this month is Diana Jones
Faith
Tell us your FAITH story.
At age 16, I was pregnant and desperate for the love of a father. A family friend invited me to church and I accepted Jesus into my heart as Lord and Savior. Even though I was sincere in my acceptance, it was a struggle, so I didn’t fully come into my faith walk until my early 20s.
In terms of my faith, I purpose not to get complacent with where I am. I want to grow and mature in my walk and relationship with God each day, month, year ahead so I can accomplish His plans and will for my life. People’s successes and challenges (including my own) drive my faith. It brings me to a new and renewed faith in God for healing, provision, protection, mercy, forgiveness, grace, gentleness, etc.
While there are many scriptures that speak to me and my life’s journey, my favorite is: Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Life
What does LIFE look like for you?
I am a compassionate woman, wife and mother of three boys ages 21, 8, and 6. We live in the suburbs of NYC in Montclair, NJ
I’ve worked full time for over 15 years for a commercial real estate company. I have been so blessed with the ability to work from home for the last several years. It gives me the flexibility I need to care for my family, our home, and investments. I enjoy being there when my kids get home from school even though I’m still working. Not only that, I am able to being involved with my kids school by being a class parent this year. Praise God!
One of the ways I like to play is by going out and trying different restaurants with family or a friend. I also like to run, read, and sing! I love being involved with the praise and worship ministry at my church as well.
My daily prayer is that God will give me wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in walking out this life that He has planned especially for me.
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:6 - (NKJV))
Community
How does community inspire your life?
My husband and I were previously small group leaders and had many opportunities to interact, encourage, pray, share our lives with wonderful people that God placed in our groups. Understanding the importance of community, we are always seeking opportunities to model this to our children. Today, in this season of my life, I am interacting more in a “community” of one person at a time for personal prayer, ministry, and encouragement. I have been blessed with a couple of women that I can pray with on a one-to-one basis.
Intersect
Where and how does the above all come together for you?
I have prayed for God to give me His heart for people. As I interact with people, my heart goes out to their plight/circumstances and this catapults me into action. I know very well what it’s like to be wounded and lost. I am able to share the love of Jesus by sharing the truth of His word, how that translates in my life, and how I’ve changed because of this wonderful truth.
In addition to praying and sharing with people in my own “backyard,” this past summer, God blessed our family with the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Peru. We aligned/connected with the organization Reimagine Peru, a project of Doers of the Word Ministry. Two teams traveled to Peru and worked alongside the people in the impoverished town of Santa Rosita to build a total of five homes, a sewing center, and library. Our family was part of a one-week team that built three homes and the sewing center. Our team was also able to provide funds to train women to sew so they’d be able to make a living and sustain their families. We also visited an orphanage and helped Dentists Without Borders intake 450 people.
My call is to be a doer of God’s Word by being a person who spreads the good news of who Jesus is and what He did for us/me.
I don’t have it all together. I struggle with many things and ask God for grace and mercy as I maneuver life. Even though I am a work-in-progress, I ask Jesus to let me resemble Him more and more each day and to live my life by the fruit of His Holy Spirit.
Next Round
What’s next and how we can pray with you?
I don’t have much “planned” for the rest of my year, but I am certain that God will use me as the Holy Spirit leads in my community, whether it’s helping a friend, praying for needs, or helping the poor in my local community.
Pray for me in the area of growing in my spiritual walk with Christ, as well as supernatural wisdom and discernment to be a better wife, mother, friend, worker, and servant.