Birds and the Bees... awkward? :)

I am creating a photo and music project for a graduation requirement. I love pictures and I love melodies... so together, this should be pretty sweet. Add a taste of the divine into the picture, and I'm pretty sure it's a winning combination. :)





I was taking picture of the myriad of bees that have invited themselves over to our cherry tree block party. I asked God to take the pictures. He made them great! His creation, His photo... it just makes sense.




Let's invite God into everything we do. He can make it infinitely more meaningful and beautiful. It's true!

- Jessica <><

Capture the Moment

I've just had two beautiful reminders of how sweet "time" is. First, Jenna posted this video that made me want to cry. It is so funny and so vulnerable and so capturing. I love these friends.



It made me ache because I feel like I haven't engaged in a while. It inspired me to really become part of this beautiful weave. God has put us each in each other's lives for a reason. I don't want to miss out on what He has purposed!

Then, I went over to Hannah's blog and she writes:

A while back I read on Ann's blog about blessings. I have been thinking on how little time I have left in this season of my life. Who knows what will happen after those six months I am gone... Things will never again be as they are now.

So I want to remember.

I want to praise Him for who He is to me. In this moment.

For the gifts of His love that surround me. For these precious few days I have left.

I will praise His beauty in the now.

God, awaken the eyes of my heart to see the beauty, the good, the pure, the lovely, and the right. I will see You.

"Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame." Psalm 34:5

I just really want to capture these moments I have here. Every breath is so precious. I feel like I've just been drolling day to day. I hate that. That's not what life is. Life is grasping the moment. Throwing your heart into the ring.

My friend Jenna is leaving in less than a week for Australia. My best friend Hannah will be going to Switzerland in a few months. My buddy Nick is leaving for Germany in 3 months. I am going to Sweden in 3 and then California! What? That's really happening?

It doesn't seem like all of this is real. But it is! I have absolutely CHERISHED these times with these friends. Oh my goodness, Lord, let me not take them for granted. Every moment I can spend with them is SO precious.

Lord, get me out of my little box. I want my heart to be free to love, free to be who I am in You. I am beautiful and I want to offer this beauty to my friends and family.

Lord, let me be a radiant smile, a caring hug, a kind word.

I love you Jesus. You make me worthy of love.

I love you friends. I hope you know that!

All my love,
- Jess <><

Metamorphosis

I am learning the value of completely relying on Jesus, and on His sacrifice.

I am learning the truth of "I can do nothing to earn or un-earn His love."

I am blossoming from my cocoon into the butterfly I am meant to be. It is messy and birth-like.

Thank you Jason Thompson for speaking on Sunday... you really spoke words from God's heart that I needed to hear.

Thank you Dawn for speaking truth.

Thanks Mom for confirming the butterfly thing.

Thanks God for bringing me through this time, as hard as it's been. I trust you.

- Jess <><

Tagged - 123 Meme!

Ha ha... unbelievable. It's my political science book. Get ready to jump into the world of international relations... yeeeaah!!

Here are the rules to the game:
1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. No cheating!
2. Find page 123.
3. Find the first 5 sentences.
4. Post the next 3 sentences.
5. Tag 5 people.

Okay, before I pick up the book, I am going to trust that God will bring out of this something good. I love you Jesus, no matter what... even if it's ridiculous!!! Actually, especially if it's ridiculous.

:)

Here goes:

"When Olympic champions step atop the ceremonial stand to receive their gold medal, their country's flag is raised and its national anthem is played. Furthermore, states are the most powerful of all political actors. Some huge companies approach or even exceed the wealth of some poorer countries, but no individual, company, group, or international organization has anywhere near the coercive power wielded by most states."

States are the political identity for most people.

Let's metaphor-ize:

In the same way, when we "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward" our "identity" is in Christ Jesus. He is the most powerful state and our high priest. Nothing, no principality, no darkness, can ever separate us from the love of God. His power is the biggest out there. None can compare.



Wow, I just want to fall in love with Jesus. He is soo good. Soooo beautiful. What a man. What a God.

Blessings to all.

Pass this on to your friends! :)

I will tag Jourdan, Emily C., and then the rest of the people I would tag have already been tagged!

- Jess <><

Jessica: Looking forward!

I am 18 years old, and God has blessed me beyond measure.

I had a fabulous birthday! I don't have school on Fridays, so this birthday was DIVINE. I devoted the entire day to NO homework, and did what I wanted to do THE WHOLE DAY. It was fabulous. I got my nails done, had lunch with my sister at Southridge, got color in my hair and chopped it off, then had the most amazing get-together of friends. I am in relationship with the most wonderful people. You know who you are, and thank you for being part of my life!

My parents and I took a trip to California last weekend to visit my future school. I've been accepted into the architecture program at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo. Starting in the Fall, I will be studying my little heart out in the beautiful hills of San Luis.

What I found on my trip FAR exceeded my hopes and dreams. It was as if God hand-picked this area for me.

Or hand-picked me for this area... :) I'm up for both...

It really put me at peace to be able to have a picture to go along with what I expected. Spending 3 or 4 days there was exactly what I needed, and I have to say, I cannot wait to go back!

People ask me about the weather down there, and... it was gorgeous! It rained a couple days in the morning, but then around 10:00 AM, the clouds parted and revealed a stunning blue-sky day.

The whole geography of the place is astounding. The hills are stunning, completely beckoning me to climb them! The ocean was gorgeous. The campus was Perfect. I am so pleased to call Cal Poly my future home!

One thing that blew me away was the unbelievable kindness of every single person we met. There was not an unsatisfied face among them! Every person we talked to flippin' raved about the school and the town. My parents and I couldn't be happier. The people were great, the food was great, the shopping is great! :)

God set up a few divine appointments during our trip. One was to meet a pretty (inside and out) Christian 5th year architecture student at the place we were staying. We talked about faith, doing what you're created to do, and bringing that into your design. She welcomed my parents and I to check out her design lab. Wow. It was amazing!

I'm so excited to be out on my own: to explore for myself, create an identity for Jesus to shine through, find new places, meet new people. I'm giddy.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me, loved me, protected me, and cherished me throughout the years! Words cannot express my gratitude. You propel me forward and I go with you in my heart.

Blessings upon blessings for you and your house,
Love - Jessica <><