Beautiful Day

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 <><