Updates!

Update number 1:



I am currently restricted to a diet of pudding, jell-o, rainbow sherbet, and hydro-codone.

:)

Explanation: Tonsillectomy!

On 12-12-07, I went under the knife. Everything went very well - it was only a 45-minute surgery - and I came home that first day.

Yesterday, one of my best friends and her fiance came over and we watched movies. They brought pizza and I ate soup. :)

I'm doing pretty well today... the pain meds are helping a lot!

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Update number 2:


I've been accepted into the architecture program at California Polytechnic University! I'll be moving next fall to San Luis Obispo where I'll reside for five or six years working on my Bachelors in Architecture degree.

I am EXTREMELY excited!

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Update number 3:


Before I got my tonsils out, my sister and I went to see "August Rush"... It was a fabulous movie. I definitely recommend it! It was all about music and connection... great, great movie.

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Update number 4:

I'm finished with my Christmas shopping! I really like Christmas shopping, so I'm sad that it's over, but I still get to wrap and make cards.

:)

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Update number 5:


I officially love Gilmore Girls! My daddy totally fell in love with the show too. He just went out and bought all seven seasons to bless his women. Stud.

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That's the new stuff!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!

- Jess <><

Autumn

The Price of Kindness

Today, I was driving from Pasco towards Kennewick. I was still deciding whether or not to go home for food, when God prompted me to get off at Court Street. I received a Holy Spirit inkling to get food at the red roofed building to my right. It happened to be a Carl's Junior. I was wondering how I would pay for my food, so I got out my wallet thinking God might have divinely provided some money. :) I thought maybe I would have enough change to buy something small. I rifled through my change and my only silver pieces were four dimes and one nickel. I left open the possibility that someone might pay for me, or I would just use my debit card.

I walked in the Exxon/Carl's Junior and had an friendly interaction with an older man. He was probably in his mid-50s and looked a bit walled off. I told him to please go before me because I wasn't sure what I was going to order yet. So he did, and as he was paying, he needed a nickel. He started searching for a nickel, and I piped up, "I've got a nickel." He gave the cashier a quarter he had just found, but turned and looked at me and said something like, "That's the nicest thing somebody has done for me in a long time," and the cashier said, "Yes, that was sweet."

I offered a nickel.

When I went out to my car with my food, the man was just leaving and asked if I lived in Pasco. I looked a bit puzzled and he reassured me he was not trying to pick me up... :) I told him no, I didn't. He continued... "Oh, I was going to say, if you lived in Pasco, I would give you a chance." I didn't understand, so I told him that. He further explained, "I'm an electricity guy, I'd give you a chance to pay before I shut your power off."

Wow.

I am still in awe that such a simple act of kindness would illicit such a response. It's amazing!

God's kingdom works that way.

Jesus healed people, inside and out, and they pledged their lives to His cause.

William Wallace freed people, inside and out, and they willingly followed him - even unto death.

Just a word, just a hug, just a nickel.

And people's lives can be changed.

I love the God we serve.

In Him,
- Jess <><

Woman

"Your mercy reigns
Your mercy comes
Your mercy falls

It rises with the sun."

- Shane and Shane


Such a redemption song. My heart just cries, laughs - comes alive - when this song plays.

It's talking about a girl who can't believe the King would want to see her form or hear her voice.


"Your voice is sweet,
Your form is lovely!"


My heart just breaks for the women of this earth who don't see their value - their priceless worth. Woman is so beautiful.



This revelation makes me want to battle for and with women. Stand side by side, and approach the throne with boldness.




The enemy has taken so much... drawn a curtain of grey and dreary over the lives of so many women.

I just want to cry out the truth that denounces the lies:

You are BEAUTIFUL! Your Father is good and He loves you with a fiery passionate love. Nothing can separate you from the love of your Father.


You are made in His image. You reflect His goodness, mercy, mystery, freedom, beauty.

Father, increase my heart for women. I just want to serve you, Dad. You know my heart and the hearts of each woman I encounter everyday.

Daddy, give me wisdom, your words, and peace.

I love you,

- Jess <><
Forever Yours

Man - Woman: POWER

"He's my other half."

"We're like two puzzle-pieces."

"We complete eachother."


We hear these phrases often when two people are in love. They feel more complete - like what seemed to be missing is now present.

I think it feels this way because men and women have different roles to play and they each speak of different characteristics of God, the Creator.

I believe God set it up this way for a purpose... that this completion of person speaks of a universal truth. God started it in the very beginning.

Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them."

He created male and female each in His image. Aspects of GOD portrayed in each one.

Men and women each embody different facets of God's character. Then, when a man and a woman come together as one, a more complete picture of the Creator is displayed.

A man brings strength, wisdom, and leadership.

A woman represents beauty, mystery, tenderness, mercy.

Though I have yet to personally experience it, because I know God, I can say this.

This is the Power of Intimacy -

Man and Woman - each reflecting God's image - come together as one. This united team is unstoppable.

Worship from the Heart

Worship is an expression of unadulterated passion. It is a purposed recognition of His splendor and majesty.

It is desire - expressed through sound and movement.

Worship is a heart attitude - one that is humble, desperate, grateful.


It is a way we love on our King.

We glorify his name, acknowledge His sovereignty, and rest in His presence.

Release of sound. Cooperation with heaven.

Changed atmosphere inside and out.


Worship is what links us with God.

It is tears and laughter - a bubbling overflow of a spirit fully alive.




It is a laying down of burdens... a casting of cares.

It is sacrifice.




It is the essence of joy and love and peace - entwined together in an unstoppable combination...

:)

Worship is an expression of the heart.

- Jess <><

Awaken.

"Just let my heart be alive -Let me be living deep, deep on the inside."

These are the words to a Misty Edwards song that perfectly encompasses this breakthrough I've been feeling needs to happen in my heart. I feel like I've been taking and selfish, but I want to give of my whole heart - selflessly. For me to be in a place where I can give, I need to be able to offer something.

I feel like I have nothing...

That's where Jesus comes in. :)

His love has set me free...

Now, what will I do with that freedom!

I will offer vulnerability, truth, and love – through Christ who strengthens me.

Wow.

I just picked up The Sacred Romance this morning.

The very first quote reads,

“Thirsty hearts are those whose longings have been wakened by the touch of god within them.” – A.W. Tozer

I feel this desperate longing to break out of my mundane dragging. These past few days have been characterized by shades of gray, but my deepest desire is to live with PASSION. Fire in my bones - for His Spirit kindles my heart.

When you enter into the presence of God, fears are displaced, humility enters your heart and you begin to walk - TRULY FREE.

I long to be operating in His grand adventure that is both inside and outside. That intrinsic knowing that I was created for this moment – this very breath. The constant journey of finding more of who He is and who I am created to be. The outer adventure of advancing His kingdom, following his heart, pursuing mystery.

mm.

Delve. Deep. Discover.

---

When I was with Hannah the other day, we drove through Starbucks for Venti Passion fruit Lemonades with Strawberries. (Hilarious.)

Now, everybody knows, when you roll up, the “Starbucks voice” offers you something special that you politely decline and then continue with your order. Well - we rolled up to the speaker and, Hannah’s windows being manual, we missed the voice’s greeting. Hannah looked at me, smiled, and then said loudly, “No thanks.” We both about died from laughter.

So here we are laughing our butts off while this gal is waiting for us to order. We squeezed out what we wanted, then pulled up to the window. Hannah was really friendly with this girl, asked her how her day was going, and then engaged her and another guy working there by saying, “You wanna hear what was so funny?” She proceeded to tell them our funny window story and they laughed too!

---

Hannah opened herself and allowed other people into our amusement. She explained that she has been really inspired by her brother and the way he engages people… even people he doesn’t know. Both parties are so enriched by an experience like that! So many times, I’m stuck in “Me” mode, and I don’t take the time or energy to be vulnerable with people. Often, it’s much easier to mask your true heart than to open up and be real. Engage the waitress at Dennys, ask the people at the bank what’s new in their life, or just go up to random people, meet them, and bless them!

As “boat races” and “fair” season approaches, I’m remembering the openness with which I operated in. It’s so humble, and so inviting. Let’s do it like Jesus did and welcome people in. Just love on them.

Man, I’ve got so much to write about regarding this subject. I think I’ll do a part two soon. Look for my next post.

Sneak Peek: Authentic worship and where our hearts come into play. Prophetic words and ministry... hmm. We’ll see what God does.

:)

Awaken.

- Jess <><

Goose Tracks

So, Hannah and Jourdan and I were down on the Columbia Park Trail yesterday, and came up with a brilliant movie idea.

We should film the geese.

I know, I know. Geese, right? They're smelly, honking, feathered balls of irritation. They flock together, have pea-sized brains, and nip at your kid's butt when Jimmy tries to feed em stale bread.

Yess... but watching their daily activities is hysterical!

So here we are - Peach, Plum, and Pear - just getting a kick out of these geese, when Hannah starts speaking for one of them. We took on voices for the geese, Andrew-style, and had a blast.

There were about 30 or 40 geese just meandering, attempting to cross the road, or freaking out at cars. It was entertainment to the max.

When I got home, characters for a goose-type motion picture - mmhmm, "Goose Tracks" - began to form in my head.

:)

I e-mailed my dear friend Hannah with some sketches of the personalities. Keep an open mind. Take the red pill sucka.

Here they are now:

---

Harold - He's an oldey. Easily frightened, he is often the prey of prankster seagulls who love a good laugh. His specs are chronically misplaced.

Phillip - Germaphobic. Loves plaid. May be gay.

Vilma - Pleasantly plump, she enjoys a good meal. Her hearty laugh interrupted by honks is her most darling feature. She and Harold were sweethearts back in the day.

Clarence the Wise - No one really knows how old this goose is. Rumor has it, he was the very first to pioneer an "Asphalt Crossing"... Sit down and listen to the guy, he's a frickin' enigma.

Birch - Named after the tree his late father flew into. He has self-esteem issues. Tried poisonous berries one time and walked around singin' Born to be Wild for days. That kid can air-guitar like no other.

Mark - Uncontrollable bowels... Mark just can't hold it in. Poop, poop, pooperz poop poop. He's a pooper. He had a girlfriend once. Think she got hit by a boat.

---

And so, my quest begins for amusing character descriptions to not only make me laugh, but to stow away for a future documentary opportunity... :)

Post yours.

ha ha...

- Jess <><

Beauty

What is true beauty?

I feel so very philosophical... :)


Beauty is a striking flower, filled with joy at her oppurtunity to stun the world

Beauty is a lion, majestic and Intense

Beauty is the Father's smile

Beauty fills the heart with a peace and knowledge that all is well.

Beauty does not ask for anything in return... it simply offers itself for the pleasure of others

Beauty is the chance to see something that may change you forever.

Beauty is an everlasting, sweet, sweet love.

Beauty is a pure and delicate hand over a colorless canvas

Beauty is a friendship, untouched by the scandal of the world

Beauty is a word on a page that takes your breath away

Beauty is a photograph, black and white, and in no way bleak or dreadful

Beauty is a popsicle stick on a sunny afternoon

Beauty is a much-needed rest

Beauty, for the eyes and soul alike... does wonders

Beauty offers an escape.

Beauty invites others to be vulnerable

Beauty is through and through

Beauty shows off God's handiwork... He is an artist.


For this post, I didn't allow myself to edit... I simply wrote down whatever came to my heart... whether it made sense or not! I guess you can call this an insight into my head and thoughts.

:)

Blessings to all who read.

- Jess <><

Deeper

Take the plunge

Follow the One pursuing me.

Search after God's heart.

War for my heart and others'.

Discover. Explore.

Go

Seek

Find.

Genesis

To Jessica... From Jessica

"Say goodbye, say goodbye
To the you I knew before
Say hello, say hello
To a new beginning

Say goodbye, say goodbye
To the you I knew before
This is your Genesis"

- Joy Williams


This is a new day.

Character, Integrity... and a College Forum.

Discussions in an online Political Science class... :)

Here is the question and my response:


If you saw, in a political candidate, what you consider a character flaw, would this impact his ability to serve?

Absolutely, personal character affects a man or woman’s ability to lead.

Character and integrity has everything to do with leadership.

No man or woman is perfect, but I hold integrity high on my list of traits I look for in a leader.

(For the sake of ease, I will continue writing these thoughts using “man” or “he” to represent either a female or male leader)

Private victories lay the foundation for public victories, and a person who is faithful in little things can be trusted with bigger things. These are established and time-honored truths.

Men of high moral character in the small things are the men I want to lead this country in the big things.

I choose to submit to the leadership over me, whether the leader is of poor character or high; however, the man who has his own life in order before coming into authority over others, has my respect and, I think, a higher level of trust.



I really enjoy these class discussions because often, I end up writing about biblical truths... :) I love it! Foundational stuff is so sweet.

I love you guys, and yes, I'm back.

I may not post consistently every week, but when I feel it, I will write... :)

Blessings,
- Jess <><

I am taking a blog sabbatical.

Blessings and Love to all.

- Jess <><

Life is a Dance

I feel like being a little girl and a grown-up girl at the same time.

Part of me wants desperately to run and play somewhere... tumble and feel the earth under me. I want to be like Pocahontas running through the trees then diving into clear water... moving where the wind takes me and feeling the breath taken out of me at the sight of God's glorious beauty.

On the other hand...
The sun is setting, it's quiet outside, and I have music running through my heart. I smile as I think about writing love songs and sipping a cup of tea on the porch swing, guitar in hand. Put my glasses on, snuggle under a blanket...

Life has taken me captive.

All of me just wants to fall in love with life.

Which woman am I?
I think I'm a little bit of both. Elements of so many passions reside in this heart.
I long for adventure, yet my soul stirs in the quiet places.
One place I express the facets of me is through dance.
I love to give everything... every particle of energy, every snippet of my colors, and every thread of my being in a dance for my Lover...


A song I have yet to put to music:

I love Him softly with the pretty pieces of my heart.
Lay down shades of pink and weeping for the love that overcomes me.
Taken wholly with the movement.
Grace surrounding.
Up, through,
Eyes clear,
Follow this Lion.

Mystery and revelation flood my senses.
The aroma of His vineyard makes me laugh in wonder
Who is this that makes me feel like clay under His tender hand?
He rises with the morning and fills my life with light.
Oh, touch me again... this love is overwhelming.

I laugh, I love, I dance.
Through You, my breath takes flight
My feet are free with the wind
You are my ribbon of delight

I love Him boldly with the valiant pieces of my heart.
His eyes pierce mine and we go round and round.
I dance in awe of His might.
Strength surrounding.
Abandon, Release,
He is here,
Revere this Lion.

Come under His hand and allow my heart to be inspired.
Unhindered passion comes from a well inside.
I draw from the depths and come alive.

I laugh, I love, I dance.
Through You, my breath takes flight
My feet are free with the wind
You are my ribbon of delight

Little Steps

I feel like I'm emerging out of a dry-ish season. Or I very soon will be.

I've been struggling with feeling alive lately. I feel like I'm not truly living out of my deepest heart of hearts.

Now, if you know Jessica, you know that I am a very passionate person. I am excited and exuberant over almost everything. I love being like that... it's so much a part of who I am. I feel alive when I love things. :)

Like so many others, I've been ruined. I've tasted love and life and now, anything less leaves me unsatisfied.

Right now, I want to feel wholly and completely engaged. I want to know who I am, and live as that woman. I want to sing because I'm happy. I want to smile like I have a secret I want to share. I want to randomly get the urge to go on a barefoot adventure. This is what being alive means to me. I want to love the men in my life and encourage them to become true men by being a woman. I want to speak to my sisters and lovingly guide them to their Creator. I want to be a blessing to my family. I want to know with my entire being that God is good, He's big, and He loves me.

I know God has me walking through this season for a purpose... there's newness coming. I've experienced some of it already. God is giving me

• new dance
• new music
• a new voice
• and a new perspective.

"Though I turn away, your mercy brings me back to you again... You draw me closer. You draw me in."

- You Draw Me Closer - Brent Helming -

Thank you Jesus for this time.

~Amen~

Destiny Calls - Written July 9th, 2005

The valley floor is quiet today but for one sound

Amidst the flowing grasses, a gentle song floats on the breeze

A budding wildflower in despair raises her voice to the wisps of wind all around her...

She cries out to her Maker,

“Where have I been?

Where am I going?

It’s all such a mystery to me…”

“Young one,” the Creator whispers,

“Put your trust in me

I know the plans I have for you

Trust in me”

Petals open to reveal a flower’s beauty

She’s been waiting to blossom

Coming into what she is created for, her joy knows no bounds

Finally knowing that she belongs, that she has a purpose in this world,

She directs her stunning face towards the Son and calls out,

“You saw my tears and rescued me

You watched and caught each one

When I needed someone to be there for me

To listen to my every care… my every living breath…

You were right there waiting for me!

I LOVE YOU

I LOVE YOU

I LOVE YOU”

A tear glistens in the Author’s eye as he gazes on his beautiful creation

He shouts for the whole world to hear,

“THIS IS MY BELOVED,

my BRIDE!

SHE HAS CHOSEN ME!

SHE HAS CHOSEN TO LOVE ME…”

And for a moment, time stands still…

All creation is silenced in the unfolding of this incredible love coming forth

All at once, the gorgeous flower is engulfed in the brilliant light and glory of His presence

His amazing warmth penetrates to the deepest parts of her spirit as the Lord returns…

“I LOVE YOU TOO”

Clear Vision

I feel this new level of vision for my spiritual walk.

I feel redeemed and restored.

I feel good.

:)

It's a fresh season. I can feel spring on it's way.

WHoo.

It's like a birth of newness and fresh inspiration.

I feel so alive.

God is so good.

We're painting our house right now and I love this feeling of transition.

Wow. Ten Shekel Shirt places words to exactly how I feel right now.

MMmmm.. I feel so in love with life.

Here are the lyrics to their "Risk" song:

Life is meant to be like a kiss

Cause intimacy is bliss

To be loved and to love

Is what everything is all about.

Mmm... I can't wait to dance tonight.

I feel infused with joy.