I have decided it is time for an upgrade to a new blog. I changed my email address recently. And I just wanted a new look and a new start. This blog is SO OLD. ha.
So, if you are interested, feel free to visit my new blog below:
http://adventuresofjessandjon.wordpress.com/
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
FEAR
My Dad gave me this book for Christmas called Re:Lit. I think it's such a great concept: preaching to yourself. I have really enjoyed reading a chapter a day. I find it very encouraging. And I highly recommend it. The idea of the book is that we need to preach the Gospel not only to others but also to ourselves each day! It's a very important practice that I am failing at and have never really though too much about until now!
Something I really struggle with is fear/worry. And I found this chapter incredibly encouraging. Something I need to preach to myself daily!
This post is an excerpt from Chapter 3 of Joe Thorn's upcoming Re:lit book, Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
PSALM 111:10
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
MATTHEW 10:28
Dear Self,
You often fear the wrong things. For example, often you are fearful of conflict, suffering, or the loss of good things like respect or acceptance by certain kinds of people. It is understandable from a worldly perspective, for these things you are afraid of losing are themselves—worldly. This does not mean they are bad, but they are temporal. So many of the things you value are good gifts from God; but they do not last, nor are they supposed to be something from which you find your identity and lasting hope.
The problem with this kind of worldly fear is that it will lead you to toe party lines instead of correcting and challenging the people you are close to. It will compel you to try to live a safe life, free from risk or danger instead of being willing to make the hard and “risky” choice of following Jesus in a culture that rejects him. It will lead you to so prize the good gifts of God that they mutate into idols that you are unwilling to let go of.
You don’t need to be afraid of anything, but you do need to fear your God with a holy reverence. Such “fear” is an aspect of faith that responds to God’s holiness, sovereignty, and transcendence. This higher form of fear is that which leads to awe, adoration, and carefulness of life because of the intimate knowledge of your Maker and Redeemer. What should you fear in life above a holy God who forgives the sins of unholy men like yourself? What can be taken from you? Your possessions can go up in flames, but you have treasure in heaven and stand to inherit the kingdom. Your reputation may be sullied, but you are justified in Jesus. You may be rejected by those you admire, but you are accepted by God. You may be hated, but your Father in heaven loves you with an undying love. What is there in this life to fear?
The fear you need to maintain and cultivate is a fear of God, for in it you will discover wisdom and develop strength that enables you to persevere in faith to the end.
This post is an excerpt from Chapter 3 of Joe Thorn's Re:lit book, Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself.
Something I really struggle with is fear/worry. And I found this chapter incredibly encouraging. Something I need to preach to myself daily!
This post is an excerpt from Chapter 3 of Joe Thorn's upcoming Re:lit book, Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
PSALM 111:10
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
MATTHEW 10:28
Dear Self,
You often fear the wrong things. For example, often you are fearful of conflict, suffering, or the loss of good things like respect or acceptance by certain kinds of people. It is understandable from a worldly perspective, for these things you are afraid of losing are themselves—worldly. This does not mean they are bad, but they are temporal. So many of the things you value are good gifts from God; but they do not last, nor are they supposed to be something from which you find your identity and lasting hope.
The problem with this kind of worldly fear is that it will lead you to toe party lines instead of correcting and challenging the people you are close to. It will compel you to try to live a safe life, free from risk or danger instead of being willing to make the hard and “risky” choice of following Jesus in a culture that rejects him. It will lead you to so prize the good gifts of God that they mutate into idols that you are unwilling to let go of.
You don’t need to be afraid of anything, but you do need to fear your God with a holy reverence. Such “fear” is an aspect of faith that responds to God’s holiness, sovereignty, and transcendence. This higher form of fear is that which leads to awe, adoration, and carefulness of life because of the intimate knowledge of your Maker and Redeemer. What should you fear in life above a holy God who forgives the sins of unholy men like yourself? What can be taken from you? Your possessions can go up in flames, but you have treasure in heaven and stand to inherit the kingdom. Your reputation may be sullied, but you are justified in Jesus. You may be rejected by those you admire, but you are accepted by God. You may be hated, but your Father in heaven loves you with an undying love. What is there in this life to fear?
The fear you need to maintain and cultivate is a fear of God, for in it you will discover wisdom and develop strength that enables you to persevere in faith to the end.
This post is an excerpt from Chapter 3 of Joe Thorn's Re:lit book, Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Looking back on 2011!
A RECAP OF 2011:
In January 2011: My friends took me to see the broadway Beauty and the Beast in ATlanta. My husband planned a surprise party for me and I turned 24 years old. The GREATEST thing though was that my neice Kyleigh was born!
IN FEBRUARY 2011: I learned more about how to make homemade jewelry. And me and Jonathan spent our second Valentine's Day married!
IN MARCH 2011: I went to my best friend's home town for the first time. She lives right outside of Lynchburg, VA. Also, my family came up to see our home in Raleigh, NC for the first time!
IN APRIL: Me and Jonathan went to the local Carnival in town and spent Easter here in Raleigh, NC together. I also went on a women's retreat with North Wake with all of my good friends.
IN MAY 2011: We went home to Atlanta for the wedding of Kristin Melin and Steven Link. Also, we got to meet our twin nephews Huxton and Eli and see my family while in town.
IN JUNE 2011: Me and Jonathan celebrated our one year anniversary and took a trip to Charleston, SC. It was wonderful!
IN JULY 2011: We celebrated Jonathan's 24th birthday by going to a baseball game. My family took a family vacation to Gulf Shores, AL. Everyone was there. My aunt even came back from overseas. It was a WONDERFUL time. The BEST.
IN AUGUST 2011: My best friend Ginny Marstin got married to Robert Vilushis in Brook Neal, VA. It was a wonderful time with friends!
IN SEPTEMBER 2011: I had Labor Day off of work and Me and Jonathan got to spend some time together. We spent the day playing Mini Golf and eating out.
IN OCTOBER 2011: Me and Jonathan carved our pumpkin into ET, attended a fall festival at our church (The Summit North Raleigh), went on a beach weekend trip with girls in my small group, I attended a Taylor Swift concert with my sister, and we had a family cookout with the Melins.
IN NOVEMBER 2011: I spent my first Thanksgiving away from my family. It was sad in that regards, but I also got to spend it with one of my closest friends who is about to go to India for two years (Danae). Also, my friend Christina Wingo got married to Michael Anderson. I got to see my friend, Ginny again too :) Me and Jonathan also decorated for Christmas.
IN DECEMBER 2011: I got to go home for Christmas. Not just home, but to Clarksdale, MS as well where my Grandparents live. My aunt got to come home from overseas again. It was WONDERFUL!
This year has been really good to me! God has blessed me richly! I am so thankful to all of my friends and family who add good things to my life everyday! Love you guys! Looking forward to a 2012! It will have to be good because I will be sharing it with you guys!
In January 2011: My friends took me to see the broadway Beauty and the Beast in ATlanta. My husband planned a surprise party for me and I turned 24 years old. The GREATEST thing though was that my neice Kyleigh was born!
IN FEBRUARY 2011: I learned more about how to make homemade jewelry. And me and Jonathan spent our second Valentine's Day married!
IN MARCH 2011: I went to my best friend's home town for the first time. She lives right outside of Lynchburg, VA. Also, my family came up to see our home in Raleigh, NC for the first time!
IN APRIL: Me and Jonathan went to the local Carnival in town and spent Easter here in Raleigh, NC together. I also went on a women's retreat with North Wake with all of my good friends.
IN MAY 2011: We went home to Atlanta for the wedding of Kristin Melin and Steven Link. Also, we got to meet our twin nephews Huxton and Eli and see my family while in town.
IN JUNE 2011: Me and Jonathan celebrated our one year anniversary and took a trip to Charleston, SC. It was wonderful!
IN JULY 2011: We celebrated Jonathan's 24th birthday by going to a baseball game. My family took a family vacation to Gulf Shores, AL. Everyone was there. My aunt even came back from overseas. It was a WONDERFUL time. The BEST.
IN AUGUST 2011: My best friend Ginny Marstin got married to Robert Vilushis in Brook Neal, VA. It was a wonderful time with friends!
IN SEPTEMBER 2011: I had Labor Day off of work and Me and Jonathan got to spend some time together. We spent the day playing Mini Golf and eating out.
IN OCTOBER 2011: Me and Jonathan carved our pumpkin into ET, attended a fall festival at our church (The Summit North Raleigh), went on a beach weekend trip with girls in my small group, I attended a Taylor Swift concert with my sister, and we had a family cookout with the Melins.
IN NOVEMBER 2011: I spent my first Thanksgiving away from my family. It was sad in that regards, but I also got to spend it with one of my closest friends who is about to go to India for two years (Danae). Also, my friend Christina Wingo got married to Michael Anderson. I got to see my friend, Ginny again too :) Me and Jonathan also decorated for Christmas.
IN DECEMBER 2011: I got to go home for Christmas. Not just home, but to Clarksdale, MS as well where my Grandparents live. My aunt got to come home from overseas again. It was WONDERFUL!
This year has been really good to me! God has blessed me richly! I am so thankful to all of my friends and family who add good things to my life everyday! Love you guys! Looking forward to a 2012! It will have to be good because I will be sharing it with you guys!
Friday, December 2, 2011
A Crazy Night
Tonight was a rough night. I was so relieved to get off of work because it was the start of the weekend. However, it quickly turned into CRAZINESS. Jonathan took me to a Hurricane's Hockey Game on Thursday night (which is usually our grocery night). So that meant grocery night was changed to Friday. It took us a while to get everything in Target. This time around we had to get him razors because he had run out (that's always a kick to the stomach because they cost about half of what we usually spend on our groceries anyways). They are crazy expensive. We get to the check out and the guy is new. So he is going slower than I've seen short of a lady I got once with a broken arm who was about 80 year old (it really did happen). This was (ironically) driving Jonathan nuts and wasn't even bothering me (it's usually the other way around). He finally got done bagging our groceries. But as we headed out the door the alarm in the store went off. Jonathan, being the honest and caring person he is, walked back through the alarms (they went off again). No one even looked up from what they were doing. We searched our cart because we had a feeling it was the razors. They put sensors on them nowadays because they are SO EXPENSIVE that I am sure a lot of dishonest people are tempted to steal those things. WE searched and searched out cart but couldn't find the culprit. We actually began to wonder if we had not picked up a bag from the checkout line. Finally we looked around and saw that no one cared that we were standing there. So, we decided if no one else cares about the beeping we will just proceed to our car. The second run through the alarm system suddenly brought over a policeman. Who stopped us and questioned us about what we had bought that evening. He decided to let us go on without looking through all of our merchandise. WE got to the car and Jonathan finally found the razors. He took it back in with the receipt to get them to take the sensor off because there's no way you can get those things off at home. After all of this it was about 7:00 and I decided I didn't feel like cooking dinner. Since Jonathan works at Pizza Hut we get a discount. So we decide to order a pizza. I was super excited about finally getting home, eating some pizza and watching The Santa Clause. lol.
Pizza Hut was REALLY busy and they told us it would be about a 30 minute wait. We live five miles from the store. So we decided to take our groceries home and come back out later. We unloaded all of our groceries and headed back to pick up our pizza. It was pretty crazy in the store and there was a HUGE line. But when we got up to the counter Jonathan realized he had forgotten his wallet at home. So, we had to get back in the car and go back home to get his wallet. When we got back to Pizza Hut the third time it was even crazier. When we finally talked to the person behind the counter they told us our order was 284 and they were already doing orders around 320. Apparently they had forgotten our order altogether. And we weren't the only ones they had forgotten. There was a long line of people who were getting really angry. The lady also stated they had run out of boxes and could not make us what we had ordered. So, I decided to just save them the trouble and let those who didn't work at Pizza Hut have their orders. I figured they would be more angry that Jonathan and I would since he works there and can kind of relate to teh craziness that sometimes goes on. After all of this it was nearing 9pm. I was STARVING because I hadn't eaten since 12:30pm. We just decided it would be best to go get something quick and just call it an evening. So we split a quesadilla and then got some frozen yogurt. ha.
What a night. In light of that bad night I decided to share three commercials that are on right now that I LOVE And make me smile. ha. ENJOY (although you might not get why I love them so much...that's ok). Also, you may have to copy and paste them to watch them because my link was not working when I put it into blogger:
In honor of that here are three new ADORABLE commercials that make me smile:
1. Pop Tart Commercial 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL-W3pXU84c
2. Hershey Commerical 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpP51j74Iyg
3. Biltmore Commercial 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etdzDxH6F6c
Pizza Hut was REALLY busy and they told us it would be about a 30 minute wait. We live five miles from the store. So we decided to take our groceries home and come back out later. We unloaded all of our groceries and headed back to pick up our pizza. It was pretty crazy in the store and there was a HUGE line. But when we got up to the counter Jonathan realized he had forgotten his wallet at home. So, we had to get back in the car and go back home to get his wallet. When we got back to Pizza Hut the third time it was even crazier. When we finally talked to the person behind the counter they told us our order was 284 and they were already doing orders around 320. Apparently they had forgotten our order altogether. And we weren't the only ones they had forgotten. There was a long line of people who were getting really angry. The lady also stated they had run out of boxes and could not make us what we had ordered. So, I decided to just save them the trouble and let those who didn't work at Pizza Hut have their orders. I figured they would be more angry that Jonathan and I would since he works there and can kind of relate to teh craziness that sometimes goes on. After all of this it was nearing 9pm. I was STARVING because I hadn't eaten since 12:30pm. We just decided it would be best to go get something quick and just call it an evening. So we split a quesadilla and then got some frozen yogurt. ha.
What a night. In light of that bad night I decided to share three commercials that are on right now that I LOVE And make me smile. ha. ENJOY (although you might not get why I love them so much...that's ok). Also, you may have to copy and paste them to watch them because my link was not working when I put it into blogger:
In honor of that here are three new ADORABLE commercials that make me smile:
1. Pop Tart Commercial 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL-W3pXU84c
2. Hershey Commerical 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpP51j74Iyg
3. Biltmore Commercial 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etdzDxH6F6c
Friday, November 25, 2011
It's been a while....
So, it has definitely been a while since I have written on this blog. There are several reasons like: 1. I am SO BUSY I don't really take the time to sit down and write. 2. I figure no one cares anyways. ha. 3. I have been feeling very uninspired lately. lol. But, I will give you a quick recap of the things that have been going on here for the last several months:
1. September. I spent a weekend with my friends from small group at one of their beach houses. Unfortunately, it decided to be hurricane type weather the ENTIRE weekend. So we drove four hours to have a movie/girl time at the beach. But I did enjoy my time with these wonderful friends of mine who have shined Jesus into my life in so many ways:
2. October. The first weekend in October I went back to Atlanta and spent some quality time with my sister and In-Laws. My sister was gracious enough to give me a ticket to the Taylor Swift concert. I'm nothing if not Taylor Swift's BIGGEST FAN. ha. It's true though. LOVE HER. Me and Sara realized quickly we were way above the average age of those in attendance. It's ok though. We loved it all the same. She is seriously talented. That weekend I also got to have a cookout with Jonathan's family and I got to see my twin nephews for only the second time since they were born. They are growing up so fast!!! Later in the month me and Jonathan carved pumpkins and went on the most difficult corn maze of my life. Good thing I have a very directionally savy husband or I would still be working my way through that maze. ha.
and
and
3. November. The month of november has been crazy busy thus far and has brought with it several things. First off, it has brought my friend, Christina Wingo's wedding. Which was a fun event. And it brought back my long lost friends who have decided to get married and move away from me. ha. Understandable. But I miss them all the same. So, the night of her wedding we all got together and had a girl sleepover complete with the usual nail painting, yogurt eating, and girly movie watching:
Next on the agenda for November was Thanksgiving. It was my first year not being home with my family. And I missed them TOO MUCH. I was pretty bummed about not seeing them. We did get to skype (which is the next best thing). I was very thankful though to get to spend Thanksgiving with a dear friend, Danae Morris. She just got accepted with the IMB to get a jouryneyman and she is moving to India for two years. About two weeks ago she dropped the bomb on me: Instead of leaving in April I am leaving in January. OUCH. I'm gonna miss her. I am so happy for her and yet so sad all at one time. And I am thankful I got to spend Thanksgiving with this dear friend of mine who is such an amazing amazing person:
Lastly, which catches you all up to date on my life...is Christmas decorating. Today me and Jonathan went and got our Christmas tree. We put up all of our Christmas decorations and wrapped presents. Then we ate some puppy chow, drank some hot chocolate, and watched Home Alone. Christmas is my MOST FAVORITE time of the year. And I am already feeling warm and fuzzy inside. ha. But I am learning more and more lately that it is the PEOPLE that make things special...not the things. I guess it takes maturing to realize it doesn't really matter what you have but WHO you have. And, I am very blessed with amazing friends, family , and even co-workers.
As I stood in line at midnight last night at Target with one of my friends, we were recounting the story that happened a couple of years ago at a Wal-Mart store on black Friday. When the doors opened, two people fell and got trampled on. No one stopped to help them or even cared. They were too focused on the 42 inch plasma screen they wanted for their living room. I watched people act horrible last night. And it dawned on me. In America we really do care more about things than we do even about human life. Things that will fade and won't mean a thing later. But, it also made me realize that it isn't about the things. It's really just about the people. And I have some awesome people in my life. And, they mean more to me than the next best thing that comes out on the market.
So, for Christmas, give me all my people. ha. That's what I want!
1. September. I spent a weekend with my friends from small group at one of their beach houses. Unfortunately, it decided to be hurricane type weather the ENTIRE weekend. So we drove four hours to have a movie/girl time at the beach. But I did enjoy my time with these wonderful friends of mine who have shined Jesus into my life in so many ways:
2. October. The first weekend in October I went back to Atlanta and spent some quality time with my sister and In-Laws. My sister was gracious enough to give me a ticket to the Taylor Swift concert. I'm nothing if not Taylor Swift's BIGGEST FAN. ha. It's true though. LOVE HER. Me and Sara realized quickly we were way above the average age of those in attendance. It's ok though. We loved it all the same. She is seriously talented. That weekend I also got to have a cookout with Jonathan's family and I got to see my twin nephews for only the second time since they were born. They are growing up so fast!!! Later in the month me and Jonathan carved pumpkins and went on the most difficult corn maze of my life. Good thing I have a very directionally savy husband or I would still be working my way through that maze. ha.
and
and
3. November. The month of november has been crazy busy thus far and has brought with it several things. First off, it has brought my friend, Christina Wingo's wedding. Which was a fun event. And it brought back my long lost friends who have decided to get married and move away from me. ha. Understandable. But I miss them all the same. So, the night of her wedding we all got together and had a girl sleepover complete with the usual nail painting, yogurt eating, and girly movie watching:
Next on the agenda for November was Thanksgiving. It was my first year not being home with my family. And I missed them TOO MUCH. I was pretty bummed about not seeing them. We did get to skype (which is the next best thing). I was very thankful though to get to spend Thanksgiving with a dear friend, Danae Morris. She just got accepted with the IMB to get a jouryneyman and she is moving to India for two years. About two weeks ago she dropped the bomb on me: Instead of leaving in April I am leaving in January. OUCH. I'm gonna miss her. I am so happy for her and yet so sad all at one time. And I am thankful I got to spend Thanksgiving with this dear friend of mine who is such an amazing amazing person:
Lastly, which catches you all up to date on my life...is Christmas decorating. Today me and Jonathan went and got our Christmas tree. We put up all of our Christmas decorations and wrapped presents. Then we ate some puppy chow, drank some hot chocolate, and watched Home Alone. Christmas is my MOST FAVORITE time of the year. And I am already feeling warm and fuzzy inside. ha. But I am learning more and more lately that it is the PEOPLE that make things special...not the things. I guess it takes maturing to realize it doesn't really matter what you have but WHO you have. And, I am very blessed with amazing friends, family , and even co-workers.
As I stood in line at midnight last night at Target with one of my friends, we were recounting the story that happened a couple of years ago at a Wal-Mart store on black Friday. When the doors opened, two people fell and got trampled on. No one stopped to help them or even cared. They were too focused on the 42 inch plasma screen they wanted for their living room. I watched people act horrible last night. And it dawned on me. In America we really do care more about things than we do even about human life. Things that will fade and won't mean a thing later. But, it also made me realize that it isn't about the things. It's really just about the people. And I have some awesome people in my life. And, they mean more to me than the next best thing that comes out on the market.
So, for Christmas, give me all my people. ha. That's what I want!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Think Different
Here’s to the crazy ones, (Jesus Freaks in the Jesus Movement, who just loved to talk about Jesus)
the misfits, (a bunch of college students who were called the “holy club,” who led a great awakening)
the rebels, (Paige Patterson and others who led a conservative resurgence in the SBC)
the troublemakers. (the Anabaptists, who led a “radical” reformation)
The round pegs in the square holes. (Ezekiel the prophet)
The ones who see things differently. (David, looking at Goliath; Wilberforce, looking at slavery in England)
They’re not fond of rules (Jesus confronting the Pharisees in Matthew 23)
and they have no respect for the status quo. (i.e., Jonathan Edwards, Evan Roberts, anyone who ever led a movement of God)
You can quote them, (it’s easy to quote them and do nothing)
disagree with them, (it’s easier to point out problems than be part of needed change)
glorify or vilify them. (you cannot be neutral with them)
About the only thing you can’t do
is ignore them, (Rosa Parks, William Carey, Nelson Mandela, Jonah)
because they change things. (Moses, Luther, Platt)
They push the human race forward. (the book of Acts)
And while some may see them as the crazy ones,
we see genius. (Adoniram Judson, Jim Elliot)
Because the people who are crazy enough to
think they can change the world
are the ones who do. (and thus, you find this little poem intriguing at least and inspiring at best)
Think Different. (Be remarkable. Change the world, for the glory of God and the sake of the gospel.
You and I have one life. Do not spend it with trivial things.
I borrowed this from Alvin Reid's blog: http://alvinreid.com/
He is a professor at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
the misfits, (a bunch of college students who were called the “holy club,” who led a great awakening)
the rebels, (Paige Patterson and others who led a conservative resurgence in the SBC)
the troublemakers. (the Anabaptists, who led a “radical” reformation)
The round pegs in the square holes. (Ezekiel the prophet)
The ones who see things differently. (David, looking at Goliath; Wilberforce, looking at slavery in England)
They’re not fond of rules (Jesus confronting the Pharisees in Matthew 23)
and they have no respect for the status quo. (i.e., Jonathan Edwards, Evan Roberts, anyone who ever led a movement of God)
You can quote them, (it’s easy to quote them and do nothing)
disagree with them, (it’s easier to point out problems than be part of needed change)
glorify or vilify them. (you cannot be neutral with them)
About the only thing you can’t do
is ignore them, (Rosa Parks, William Carey, Nelson Mandela, Jonah)
because they change things. (Moses, Luther, Platt)
They push the human race forward. (the book of Acts)
And while some may see them as the crazy ones,
we see genius. (Adoniram Judson, Jim Elliot)
Because the people who are crazy enough to
think they can change the world
are the ones who do. (and thus, you find this little poem intriguing at least and inspiring at best)
Think Different. (Be remarkable. Change the world, for the glory of God and the sake of the gospel.
You and I have one life. Do not spend it with trivial things.
I borrowed this from Alvin Reid's blog: http://alvinreid.com/
He is a professor at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Life
Life….it’s been so busy lately I have hardly had the chance to stop to catch my breath. Being moved to this new department has definitely turned my work life upside down and I have been going, going, going for the past five months now. I felt like I never had time to even catch a breath while at work. And it was definitely wearing me out. Sometime last week I remember thinking, “Lord, I know this is your plan for me right now. But I just don’t know how much longer I can be THIS busy.” It was rough. And honestly, I was doing so many emails I was counting as 2 ½ people at work every day (We are supposed to do 27. I was doing around 60). I felt like I was working harder and doing more work than anyone. I’m honestly not trying to brag. I’m just painting a picture of how much I’ve worn myself out. What’s the balance in doing your very best for God at your workplace and not making your hands have carpal tunnel when you are 24 years old? Ha. I’m not quite sure I have figured it out.
Then last week I got the news from my boss that I was being moved back to my old department. The peaceful department. The one where not EVERYONE you talked to on the phone was screaming, crying, or throwing a tantrum. Haha. For real, this has been my life. Ha. It was in that moment that I was reminded, God really is watching out for me. He always knows what I can handle. And I think it is even comforting to know that unbelievers are even working out God’s plans in our lives. It was strange to me that my boss would wake up one day and say “I want Jessica back in this department”, even though she had stated it was a permanent move to begin with and I would never move back. And so I am transitioning again. And honestly, it’s good and it’s hard for me. Change has never been easy. But if there is one thing this job is forcing me to be it’s FLEXIBLE. And I know I’m going to need to be JUST THAT when I am on the mission field in the future. I remember being in the Philippines and it KILLING me how quickly and easily plans changed. How nothing was for sure or solid. I had to learn to just roll with life. And I hated every minute of it. ha.
I come from a family that avoids change. We like the known. We eat at the same restaurants every year on vacation. We do the same things. It’s comforting. Haha. I like to have comfort in life. Who doesn’t? I like life to be predictable to some extent. I don’t like things to come hit me out of nowhere. And I don’t like picking up and moving and having to readjust to something all the time. But that has been exactly what I’ve done ever since I got this job. Something is ALWAYS changing. And it makes me uncomfortable. But I am also aware that it’s good for me. And that I very much needed this change to happen in my life in order to keep my sanity, my 20/20 vision, and to keep my hands from getting arthritis one day. Ha.
So, I have finally had a moment to breathe again. And I hope to have more moments like this over the next few months. Hopefully I can update more often. If anyone even checks this thing anymore. ha.
I’ve been doing the “read through the bible in a year” so far this year. And, I am walking with the Israelites through the dessert right now. This morning I read about them complaining to God about the fact that he brought them out of Egypt in order to bring them to a place where they were struggling for water and food. I guess that still hadn’t learned yet that God was providing for their every need. How could they want to go back to a place like Egypt? They were driven hard every day and were doing hard labor. Yet, they idealized the past and spat in God’s face because they hadn’t learned that He was going to give them everything they needed. I feel like I do that a lot. Instead of being grateful to God for whatever His provision is in the present, I look back at the past (something that was a crappy situation even) and I will wish for it back and grumble and complain. It’s silly really. And it was a good reminder that God is taking care of me right now. And I should be living in that and be thankful for it.
Me and Jonathan are getting ready to head to Charleston, SC for our one year anniversary tomorrow through Tuesday. I am excited to get away and relax on the beach. It will be great!
Then last week I got the news from my boss that I was being moved back to my old department. The peaceful department. The one where not EVERYONE you talked to on the phone was screaming, crying, or throwing a tantrum. Haha. For real, this has been my life. Ha. It was in that moment that I was reminded, God really is watching out for me. He always knows what I can handle. And I think it is even comforting to know that unbelievers are even working out God’s plans in our lives. It was strange to me that my boss would wake up one day and say “I want Jessica back in this department”, even though she had stated it was a permanent move to begin with and I would never move back. And so I am transitioning again. And honestly, it’s good and it’s hard for me. Change has never been easy. But if there is one thing this job is forcing me to be it’s FLEXIBLE. And I know I’m going to need to be JUST THAT when I am on the mission field in the future. I remember being in the Philippines and it KILLING me how quickly and easily plans changed. How nothing was for sure or solid. I had to learn to just roll with life. And I hated every minute of it. ha.
I come from a family that avoids change. We like the known. We eat at the same restaurants every year on vacation. We do the same things. It’s comforting. Haha. I like to have comfort in life. Who doesn’t? I like life to be predictable to some extent. I don’t like things to come hit me out of nowhere. And I don’t like picking up and moving and having to readjust to something all the time. But that has been exactly what I’ve done ever since I got this job. Something is ALWAYS changing. And it makes me uncomfortable. But I am also aware that it’s good for me. And that I very much needed this change to happen in my life in order to keep my sanity, my 20/20 vision, and to keep my hands from getting arthritis one day. Ha.
So, I have finally had a moment to breathe again. And I hope to have more moments like this over the next few months. Hopefully I can update more often. If anyone even checks this thing anymore. ha.
I’ve been doing the “read through the bible in a year” so far this year. And, I am walking with the Israelites through the dessert right now. This morning I read about them complaining to God about the fact that he brought them out of Egypt in order to bring them to a place where they were struggling for water and food. I guess that still hadn’t learned yet that God was providing for their every need. How could they want to go back to a place like Egypt? They were driven hard every day and were doing hard labor. Yet, they idealized the past and spat in God’s face because they hadn’t learned that He was going to give them everything they needed. I feel like I do that a lot. Instead of being grateful to God for whatever His provision is in the present, I look back at the past (something that was a crappy situation even) and I will wish for it back and grumble and complain. It’s silly really. And it was a good reminder that God is taking care of me right now. And I should be living in that and be thankful for it.
Me and Jonathan are getting ready to head to Charleston, SC for our one year anniversary tomorrow through Tuesday. I am excited to get away and relax on the beach. It will be great!
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