Teen 2 Teens

Life and Who I am

2008-08-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get a point where you just forget who you are? Where one day you feel like everything in your life just fits right, you know exactly who you want to be; than the next you don’t even remember who you are or what it was that you stood for? You can’t pin point exactly what it was that messed you but one day you are different. It really takes the closests people to you to make you realize who you had become, but it is the getting back that is the hard part. The people and temptations that held on so hard to you before are always there, encouraging you to make the wrong choice. You struggle and you try so hard, but than you realize something,
There is absolutely nothing you can do.
You don’t have enough strength.
You are too weak.
There is only one thing that can help us, one thing that is bigger than us, stronger than us. His name is God and he is here to help us. He is here to make everything better, fix all of these wrongs, fight off all of these temptations.
You realize this but instead of feeling weak or inferior; you are filled with this wonderful sense of relief. This sense that finally everything is going to be right. You can relax and not have to try so hard.
The best part is the people that you disappointed, the ones that were hurt the most when you lost who you were, are still there. They never gave up on you. That’s how you know they love you, That’s how you know how precious you really are to them.
Welcome Home, Jessica.

Easter

2008-03-23T07:58:00.001-07:00

One man, one cross, one Sunday, one cave? Why are these so significant? Why are these objects so important and why are they tied into such a blessed event? Easter is a time that gets us all thinking about eggs and candy, but there is something much more important about this day. This is that story.

Jesus was a man, but he was more than that, he was the Son of God, a savior for his people. He was also perfect, the only human born completely without sin who chose to take the punishment. What punishment is that? Death, the ultimate punishment for anyone who sins. For the penalty of sin is death. Jesus was taken and nailed to a cross, jeered at, and made to wear a crown of thorns. Jesus died, leaving all of his followers behind stunned that they had lost their only hope. So why did he do it? If he was the Son of God why did he choose to die such a torturous death? He did it so that you can have life. For the penalty of sin is death, but through him you can have life. Jesus who was with out sin died so that through him you can have life, eternal life with him in heaven. But the news gets better, he rose again, he rolled the stone away from his tomb and walked right out. He didn’t just die, he conquered death. This is why we celebrate Easter, we celebrate his beautiful gift and celebrate that he rose from the dead. That is the real reason for Easter.
When he died, he replaced your punishment for sin to give you the gift of life; he is waiting for you to take it. All you have to do is ask, ask him into your heart and he will give you life. A life that is better than you can ever imagine. It only takes one simple step, prayer. Pray and ask God into your heart. It is not heart and you don’t have to have all the right words. Just tell him what is in your heart.

Happy Easter Everyone- Jessica

God is Good

2008-03-17T21:49:00.001-07:00

I am so Sorry I have been neglecting you all. Life has been so crazy for so many reasons but the number one reason is that I was in the process of a fantastic move. God is so good you guys. My family and I have been praying for a house by the beach for so long and we have finally been blessed with one, completely by accident. Here is the story.
When my family and I were moving out of my childhood home about 3 years ago, we tried to get to the beach, but every opportunity seemed to close down, every door we thought we were supposed to go through was shut in our faces. We ended up in a small Christian town that we all fell in love with. We never thought we would leave. Our neighbors were nice, the people were nice, and we finally felt free to be who we are and not be judged, we could be Christians. But than we got a notice that the owners were selling the house we were in and had to move out of our house. We ended up moving into a way too small temporary rental. Half way through the school year, we had the chance to move, but decided that it was too complicated to move now, God had other ideas. Less than a month later we get another notice. Okay, no big deal, we figured we were staying in our town. But than I got this feeling. This feeling of discontentment, a feeling that I should tell my parents it was time to leave. I fought with this feeling, doubted my initial reaction that it was from God. But I finally got the courage to tell my parents. They listened and thought about it, and realized it was true, we no longer felt that connection we originally felt. Dad began looking at the beach again, and what do you know, we found it. Our house. But I am getting ahead of myself again lol. Mom was totally against the idea, I mean there was no way we could pull my sister out of school and up and move to a different state. But the house was to amazing the pass up. We could no longer ignore the feeling God was giving us. He wants us here and we may not know why yet, but we will be here until we find out.
Your sister in Christ,
Jessica

Remember

2008-02-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.

You talk trash about your 'buddies' that aren't with you.

He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.

He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

You complain about how hot it is.

He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.

He doesn't get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.

He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.

He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.

He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.

You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.

He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.

He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.

He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.

He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.

He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.

You see only what the media wants you to see.

He sees the broken bodies lying around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.

He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.

You stay at home and watch TV.

He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.

You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.

He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.

If you support your troops, send this to 7 people.

If you don't support your troops well, then don't send this out. You won't die in 7 days, your love life won't be affected, and you won't have the worst day ever.

You don't have to email this. It's not like you know the men and women that are dying to preserve your rights.

REMEMBER our Troops, and do not forget them LATER

Lest we forget -

KEEP THE CHAIN GOING

God Bless Our Troop.
Your Sister In Christ,
Jessica

Battle Cry!! oh and my Birthday lol

2008-02-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

Okay so I was supposed to write to you all yesterday but too be honest I was having way too much fun and never had time. Please Forgive Me!! Yesterday we went to Party City and Decked ourselves out with Marti Gras Beads and masks. I had the coolest beads, one of them (My favorite) had a purple smiley head that was wearing a crown. When you squeezed it squeaked and blew what was supposed to be like those party favors that when you blow them they roll out flat, if that makes any sense lol. Like this except red like a tongue.

I also had one with masks, a feather boa, and a beaded green, purple, and gold crown. We all dressed up, in beads, funny bobbers, and my sister wore this awesome multi colored eyelashes lol. We actually wore this stuff out to the Movie, we saw National Treasure two, which was SO good. I am so curious about page 47. We ate shrimp and watched Game plan, also very cute. And we had blizzards from Dairy Queen, it was very fun!! So anyway it was a good day and my family made me feel wonderful and loved, definitely my best birthday ever.

On a second note, I made a Battle Cry page which I hope you will all check out. http://www.battlecry.com/battleplan.php?username=HisWords. Battle cry is a great site for teenagers who want to do the Myspace thing but who are not allowed or want something that reflects them. It is full of teenagers just like you and me who have a passion for Christ. If you have ever heard of the Acquire the Fire events, the person who started battle cry runs it too. I would encourage all of you to start your own Battle Cry accounts at www.battlecry.com eventually I will have an ad banner on this page, but honestly, I haven't figured out how to do that yet lol.
Anyway, check it out, make your own, and have an awesome day!!

2 hours and 48 minutes, 46, 45, 44...

2008-02-04T21:11:00.000-08:00

This is the official birthday count down!! That right, in less than 3 hours I will be 18, of course I will be asleep when that happens, but still! Tomorrow we are going to go see National Treasure 2, which I have not seen yet but LOVED the first one!! Than we are going to dine on seafood because tomorrow is Fat Tuesday, a Marti Gras celebration!! Eventually we will make it to the beach, but that may be be put off for a couple weeks. I am sure you can't tell but I am very excited!! I really don't have anything to write but I wanted to share with my Bros and Sisses my excitement for my birthday!! I have never been 18 before any advice? lol I get to vote in the election this year, any other first timers for that too? Anyway I wanted to share that with you all, I am sure I will write again tomorrow to scream about being 18, but I had to give this update because I had been giving you guys a countdown lol.
Okay I am going now lol!!
Love you all!!
Your Big Sis,
Jessica
Oh by the way I found three new songs I LOVE!! Have you guys heard the songs Collide or Anticonformity by Krystal Meyers? Also the song One More Round by Barlow Girl is a great inspirational song that keeps you swinging!! I would definitely recommend them!

What if?

2008-02-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

What if By Nichole Nordeman
What if you’re right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you’re right?
What if it’s true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it’s true?

What if he takes his palace in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

(Chours)
But what if you’re wrong?
What if there’s more?
What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?

What if you dig, What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions inside
That’s all you find

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Then folklore that must be told and retold

(Chours)

You’ve been running as fast as you can
You’ve been looking for a place you can land so long
But what if you’re wrong?

What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?

I love this song because it presents such a great point that I have been thinking about. So what if they are right? What if I am completely off my rocker and Jesus was simply a disillusioned nice guy who was good at magic? What if it was simply a story that had been blown way out of proportion? What if everything I believe in and have invested my life in was a lie?
You know what, if that was true I would die a happy person, because at least when I was hear I had something to believe in, something that keeps my head above water in a world that constantly trying to push it under. I will die and go nowhere, but what will I care, I will be dead and I would have died happy. And those who didn’t believe would feel a few seconds of pride over being right, before they went back to a life that is missing something.
But what if they are wrong? What Jesus is real? What if there is a Heaven and a Hell? Well in that case, they will have lived there whole lives feeling like they were missing a part of them. They will have gone there whole lives with out feeling the overwhelming gift of God that we get to experience everyday. And worst of all, they will have to spend the rest of eternity rejecting it. They will have to spend the rest of Eternity regretting that one big mistake.
So my big question is this, What if its tomorrow? What if Jesus comes for you tomorrow? Are you ready to hop off the boat and test the water?

Your Sister always
Jessica

I Am

2008-01-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

This is a Poem by My little sister Maya. I hope you like it because she worked really hard on it. She didn't have time to submit it to a poetry contest at her school, but I think it could have one. Enjoy everyone!!

I Am
By Maya

I am a Bird
A Goose
A swan
A flock of ravens
A beautiful flower in bloom
A rare diamond
A Graceful dancer
but mostly, I am myself.

Have a great day you all and God Bless!
Your big and Little sisters in Christ,
Jessica and Maya

Worrywart- Chapter 3

2008-01-26T10:54:00.000-08:00

Okay a couple of updates and quick blurbs (don't you love that word?) by me and than I will post a new chapter of Worrywart. I sincerely hope you guys are enjoying it. I know it is more for little kids, but you all are my peeps, and I need all your help to tell me if it is good, or if it really stinks lol. So far I have gotten good reviews from it but you never know.
Okay, Okay I said updates. So here is the updates I have:
Number one- School started again and I am not sure I ever mentioned it in my blog. I am about to go into the 4th week, each term is separated into 9 weeks. I am taking a research writing course which is pretty cool, the teacher lets us call him Doc lol. I am also taking a Cultural Diversity course and sometimes it can really test a girls faith. A lot of the stuff they teach in this course can be really controversial and you can definitely step on some toes, so Prayers for that all.
Number two- It is now actually 10 days until my 18th birthday and I am super excited!! It sounds like the plan is that we will got out to dinner on my actual birthday day and invite some friends and family. Than that weekend we will head down to the beach and stay the night. Just remember all the theme is Marti Gras so there will be a lot of seafood lol.
Number three- I know this will come as a shock to all of you but sometimes I make writing mistakes that I don't even notice until A. Someone points it out (Now who could that be?) or B. I reread my work and can't understand it. So for all of you who have been reading my writing I apologize lol. I just reread Worrywart to my siblings and realized how many unintentional errors were in it. Some were on purpose because it was the language of a 6 year old, but others is all the writers fault, which well, means me. Anyway sorry and Hopefully I kept you laughing.
Now on to Worrywart. I should warn you it is a long one, 6 pages on Word, but it is worth it. I read it to my Bros and sis and they were laughing. They especially liked when I referred to the Union Jack as the Flap Jack, which was on purpose by the way for all of you who think I have finally gone of the deep end. Anyway with out further interruption from yours truly:
Chapter 3- The Wonders of the Backroom

When you walk into the backroom of Kate’s store, you would think you had walked into a different world. When you open the door the first thing you see is a huge flag of England painted on the back wall, I think it is called the Flap Jack. On all the other walls are shelves full of knick-knacks and fun stuff from England. There was a sculpture of the Queen of England, snow globes with castles, and miniature Flap Jack flags that you can hold in your hand, plus much more. There were also boxes of fuzzy scarves and long fuzzy coats that drug behind me as I walked. But my absolute favorite thing was a sparkly Tiara that Kate kept on a lower shelf so I could reach it. It was a beautiful silver Tiara with three peaks that had a gem on each peak; a diamond in the middle and a blue one on each side. I t looked just like something a princess would where.
Sometimes Kate would tell me stories about where it had come from and what princesses had worn it. She always had a different story every time I came. One time it had belonged to Cinderella herself, another time it had belonged to a long lost princess who finally came to save her city from destruction. But my favorite version is when it belonged to Princess Diana. Princess Diana is definitely me favorite princess because she started out as just a normal girl like me. She was honest and kind and people really loved her.
I loved playing dress-up with all of the fancy clothes, and I always wore the crown. Today I put on a long fuzzy pink coat, white gloves, and of course the tiara which I put on top of a large, pink hat. The backroom also had a pretty white tea table shaped like a flower. There was matching white chairs with flower shaped, pink seat cushions. I sat at the table and pretended that I was Princess Diana. I would imagine people fighting all around but I would just sit there calm and peaceful.
“Dear people,” I said with a voice like Kate’s. “Do not fight so. Instead get along and hug each other. We can all be friends and share all our toys with each other. Act more like me, a princess.” Than I imagined all the people stop fighting and hug each other. Than they would all sit on the floor and play with their toys, the boys played with trains and the girls played dress-up. Than we would all sit at the table and drink some tea, because English people like a lot of tea.
That’s when I had another thought that I had to write down in my worry journal. I pulled it out of my pocket and wrote it down:

July 19th
Don’t know what time it is a.m. or p.m. or whatever

Worry thought- Did Princess Diana worry? I mean Mommy said that everyone worries, but was she a worrywart like me? Is there a law that Princesses aren’t allowed to worry? Do they have someone who worries for them? And what makes tiaras so itchy?

I itched my head so much that me tiara finally fell off my head. I reached down to grab it just as the door opened. I quickly sat up straight and put the tiara back on my head. I was sitting as gracefully as I could when Kate and Mom came in.
“Oh excuse your Majesty,” Mom said bowing. I giggled because I had fooled Mommy.
“Your Majesty, have you seen Rori around anywhere?” Mom said looking around the room for me, not realizing I was sitting right in front of her.
“Oh Hello dears, no need to be excused. I am Princess Diana, the nicest Princess in the World.” I said in my most regal Princess Diana voice.
“Oh my, I should have guessed,” She said bringing her hand to her mouth.
“Who is this Rori you were asking about? I don’t know anyone named Rori,” I said.
“Oh Rori is my daughter; she is 6 years old, has blond hair and blue eyes, about 3 and a half feet tall. She has a great imagination but she does tend to be a little mischievous.”
“Hmm, no I am afraid I have not seen her. Very sorry dear.” I said shrugging my shoulders.
“Oh bummer, that’s okay princess, I am just not sure who is going to help me look through all these jewelry. See it is my daughter’s birthday and Rori was supposed to help me pick out a present. Guess I will have to just pick it out on my own. Nice meeting you Princess,” Mom said starting to walk out the door. I panicked; I didn’t want Mommy to pick out Jamie’s gift without me!
“Wait Mommy!” I chased after her tripping over the long coat. “It’s me Mommy, it’s me, please wait!” I hurried over to her as fast as I could, trying to take of the coat as I ran but just managing to get more tangled.
“Oh Rori, there you are. Where did you come from?” She said, saving me from the evil coat monster in one quick move and than began to remove the rest of the dress-up clothes.
“Please don’t leave without me Mommy; I want to help pick out Jamie’s present too.” I was really worried that Mom had planned on doing it without me.
Mom laughed “Oh Rori, my silly Worrywart, I was just playing with you,” she said ruffling my hair. She grabbed me hand and we walked towards the jewelry counter. We began to look in all the cases for the perfect Jamie gift. There were tons of pretty, sparkly bracelets and earrings. There were rings of all different sizes and designs. Some had huge gems on them, and others just had shapes in the ring. There were plenty of beautiful things, just nothing perfect for Jamie. Jamie is a very special big sister, thus she needs a very special gift. She needed something that would show her how much Mom, Dad, and I love her.
I looked up at Mom, who had walked ahead of me a bit. She had a very serious look on her face that told me she was thinking the same thing. I walked over to join her and looked at the jewelry in the case in front of her.
“Umm, Mommy,” I said.
“Huh? Oh yes Rori?” She said looking like she hadn’t eve noticed I was there.
“There are some many pretty things here.”
“Yes, your right, there are. Makes it kind of hard to choose huh?”
“Well that’s the thing Mommy. These are all really pretty, but none of them are perfect for Jamie.”
Mommy frowned and sighed “I know,” was all she said, but it was enough.
:Its okay Mommy, we will just keep looking until we find it. I mean there is bound to be…” I stopped and stared in to the case. Mom didn’t notice that I had stopped talking because she was staring too. In the case was the most beautiful locket, and the perfect gift for Jamie. It was a shaped like a heart with a bunch of different colored gems on the front. It dazzled and sparkled in a way that caught your eye immediately, it was perfect for Jamie! Mom asked Kate if she would take it out of the case so we could look at it closer.
“Which one? Oh that one? Oh Helen you are not seriously thinking this is the right gift for a teenager?” But Kate pulled it out of the case anyway and handed it to Mom.
“No Kate, I am thinking this is the best gift for Jamie,” Mom said looking at Kate for a second and than turning her attention back to the locket. I looked up at Kate who had a shocked look on her face; I don’t think she was expecting that reaction from Mom. I could tell that Kate didn’t think it was the right gift for Jamie, but I did! I could already imagine Jamie wearing it and how pretty it was going to look on her neck.
“Oh my, Rori Listen to this. Oh how perfect this is, in side the Locket it says ‘Special one, you are always in our Heart’ isn’t that just perfect for Jamie?” Mom said sounding excited. I started to get excited too, this gift was absolutely perfect for Jamie!! The words said perfectly the way we feel about Jamie! Mom handed me the locket so I could look at it closer and we walked towards the check-stand. I noticed there was a place for us to put a picture in their too.
“Mommy look, you can put a picture inside! What picture should we put inside it?” I asked, showing her the spot where we could put the picture.
“Well, why don’t we put a picture of our family in there? That way Jamie will know how important she is to the family and to our hearts. Sound good?” It sounded perfect to me!
“Okay Mommy, but it will have to be an awfully small picture.” Mom giggled.
Kate came up to the counter to ring it up, but even though Mom had handed it to her, she still didn’t ring it up. All she did was look at Mom, sigh, and roll her eyes.
“Now Helen really, Jamie is turning 13, not 7. This would be a great gift for Rori, but not for a young woman like Jamie. I know you don’t want her to grow up and you want her to be your baby forever, but Helen, Jamie is a young woman now. Don’t you think you should get her something more grown up? Like how about this wonderful pearl collection?” Kate said, gesturing towards the jewelry set of white beady jewelry. It didn’t look very special to me.
“Come on Kate, where is Jamie going to where pearls? I don’t even where pearls, no offense. Besides Jamie is still Jamie, she might be very mature for her age but the truth is she is still a child. And even if she was, Jamie will love this locket; it is exactly the thing Jamie would pick out if she was here herself.”
“Well maybe that is the solution, maybe you should let Jamie come in and pick out the jewelry herself.”
Mom huffed “No Kate, Rori and I wanted to pick her out something special. Besides I am Jamie’s mother, I know what she likes. You know I don’t by into that whole teenager nonsense and neither does Jamie.” Mom said sounding frustrated. Than she took a deep breath and began talking again, calmer this time, “Listen Kate, I appreciate the help I really do, you always have such great fashion advice. But see the thing is, I want to teach my kids to just love being themselves and not to conform to what the world tells them about being a teenager. Jamie knows that just because she is turning 13 doesn’t make her suddenly grow up, and she likes it that way. This locket expresses exactly how we feel and what we want to teach her, okay?”
Kate looked at Mom for a second, with a mix of emotions playing on her face. Than she smiled and said “You are right Helen, I am sorry. I should have known better than to pick a fight with you, you always could hold your own,” she said chuckling. “Jamie will love it I am sure. You’re her mother and you know best. But you have definitely got some spunk girl.” She and mom shared a laugh, and I looked on with confusion. I have no idea what just happened, all I know is that Kate was now ringing up the necklace and putting it is a special box. Mom stuck it in her purse and we headed for the door.
“Thanks Kate, oh by the way, do you plan on joining us for dinner tomorrow?” She said turning around and looking at Kate.
“Oh you know, I will probably stop by and drop off a gift for Jamie, but I doubt I will stay. I know you guys like to keep it a family affair.”
Oh but Kate you are family.”
‘Thank Hon, I will see you tomorrow.”
“Okay Kate, see you around.” Mom said, and we headed out the door. I waved good bye to Kate and she smiled and waved back.
“Bye my sweets, Have a fantastic day!” She called.
As we got in the car I thought about the gift that Mom had put in the seat beside me. Jamie was really going to love it. She deserved a gift like that; she was my best friend, because she actually liked me, not like Kenny’s older sister who won’t be seen with him in public. That’s when I had an idea; I could make Jamie a friendship bracelet for her birthday!
“Hey Mom, when we get home will you help me make a friendship bracelet for Jamie’s birthday?”
“Sure sweetie.” This was going to be the best birthday ever!

Okay all, if any of you are still here by this point, I hope you liked it. Give me any feedback you have, even if it is "Umm Jess, who is Worrywart? What the heck are you talking about?" Keep in mind all the Worrywart stories are in the archives so if you missed some or never read it check it out. The first post is called A New Story.
Anyway you probably need a breather after that so I am going to let you go.
I am sending you all much big sister love!! Enjoy your day!
Jessica

Ecclesiastes 3 or Happy birthday to me!! (Almost)

2008-01-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

It is 21 days until my 18th birthday and than I will be an adult, still a teenager but officially an adult. Wow, how time sure does seem to fly and how wonderful and scary it is. Oh I mean not that it is not going to be a blast, I mean it is going to be the bomb!! In fact this year my birthday falls on Marti Gras' Fat Tuesday, something I have known since I was 13. Ever since than I have been planning my 18th birthday party and it is going to be wonderful!! My mom and I are already picking out supplies and planning so it will be great.
But I do think about when I was about 8 and my sister and I used to play pretend. We would pretend that we were 16 or 18 and it seemed like an eternity a way than. But now my sister is turning 20, no longer a teen, and I am going to be 18 an adult.
God gives us verses for these times, as he does all times in all times of our lives. This is my favorite verse because it makes me laugh, and cry and dance. Yep that's right Ecclesiastes 3, a time and season for everything. Here it is:

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

So I wanted to take this opportunity to not only tell my friends about my Birthday, but also to talk about how there are good times and bad times but God is there through it all.
Good Night My Dear Brothers and sisters. I hope that as you sleep and in bad times you know that not only is your heavenly father looking out for you but you have an older sister who is praying for you and their for you to lean on.
Sleep sweet my dears!
Jessica

WorryWart- More about Kate's

2008-01-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

OK so here is some more of Worrywart and what has been going on at Kate's Jewelery Emporium. There is lots of fun in this conversation between Kate and Rori's mom. In case you haven't read yet, Rori is a 6 year old girl who loves to worry. Right now she is preparing for her older sister Jamie's 13th birthday party. If you want to read the beginning of Worrywart check out my previous posts entitled A new story and another dose of Worrywart.
Enjoy!
I got out of the car and looked up at Kate’s. Kate’s is one of the fanciest places in town, maybe even in the whole world. The front of it reminded me of a palace with a red carpet that led up the steps and huge gold rails on either side. This led to huge double doors with pretty glass in the shape of a diamond. Inside the store was tons of shiny glass shelves and locked display cases filled with Kate’s fancy jewelry. The carpet was black and extra soft, not a speck of the PBJ stains that are carpet has. The walls were red or as Mommy call’s it “Scarlet”. There were a bunch of pretty, colorful paintings of ladies wearing jewelry.
Kate is English, which is a word that means she is really fancy. Whenever Mom and I came to see her, she was dresses in long elegant dresses; never Jeans like Mommy usually wears. She talks very proper and her voice sounds different than anyone else’s voice I had heard, pretty but different sounding. I guess that is what proper people sound like. Most of the kids think she is a mean lady because she doesn’t like kids in her store, but that’s not true. She is actually really nice. My Mom knows her from when she was younger a long time ago, and she lived in England, where Kate is from. So Kate was always nice to me and to my sister Jamie. Also Kate tells us the reason she also is nicer to us is because we obey the rules and listen to what she says. I guess other kids don’t know how or something. Sometimes she even lets me try on Jewelry, only the beady stuff, but it is still fun.
But the absolutely best part about going to Kate’s is that she has a back room filled with English England stuff. Well her and Mommy talk and drink tea, am I free to look around back there and play with all the stuff. It was so fun!!
“Good Morning my dears, what a pleasure to see you both. How do you do?” Kate said as she came out the back to greet us. Kate always dressed very fancy and today she was wearing long black dress that I noticed was really soft when I gave her a hug. It didn’t have any sleeves, which I guess makes since because it was the middle of summer. She was also wearing matching necklace and earrings that had little white beads. Kate always wears jewelry, I think she has too because she owns a jewelry place, like it is a law or something.
“Please, please come to the back with me. I could certainly use a break and a nice cup of ice tea,” Kate said walking over to lock he front door. That was another cool thing, Mom and I were the only ones allowed in here when the door was locked.
The three of us headed to the back room to drink our ice tea. Kate poured us each a tall glass; of course mine was only half full (that way if I spill there will be less mess.) I added a bunch of sugar to mine because I like sugar but I don’t like ice tea. I was just putting in my third big scoop when Mom gave me that look. She didn’t have to tell me, I knew that look meant I needed to stop. So I sat back down (before I was on my knees so that I could reach the bowl in the middle of the table) and I stirred my ice tea.
“So what brings you wonderful ladies to my fabulous store today?” Kate asked swinging her arms out all around her as she spoke, than went back to stirring her tea delicately. Kate was a funny lady, sometimes she was so proper, but other times she was so hyper. She would use big words and swing her arms around, than she would go back to being proper. I loved to watch her because you never knew what she was going to do.
“We are here to get a present for Jamie,” Mom answered.
“Yeah something really, really pretty,” I added. Kate smiled at me and than turned her attention back to Mom.
“Oh yes, that’s right, it is Jamie’s 13th birthday tomorrow isn’t it?” Kate said, quickly putting her hand on her chest. I wondered why she did that. Did the shock of remembering Jamie’s birthday making her heart beat different or did it make her heart do a funny dance in? I imagined her heart doing the cha-cha and laughed quietly into my hand like Daddy does.
“Yes, her 13th, so obviously we want to get her something very special, being that it is such an important birthday,” Mom told Kate.
Lately everyone was saying that this was an important birthday for Jamie, and I wondered why. What was so important about this birthday? Why is it so different from all of Jamie’s other birthdays? I mean 13 is not that different from 6, only 7 years.
“Do you have any ideas Kate? Her Dad and I were thinking something like a charm bracelet or…”
Kate interrupted Mom mid-sentence and began flailing her arms around in a slashing motion in front of her. “No, No, No! Jamie is 13 now, she wants something more adult. A charm bracelet is so childish. I mean she is no longer a child, she needs a gift that says Welcome to Womanhood” Kate finished, swinging her arms out wide in front of her to emphasize the word Womanhood. I laughed quietly in my hand again, although I don’t think it was very quite because turned to look at me and roll her eyes. I could tell she thought that Kate’s crazy arms were funny too.
“Now Kate, she is still a child. I mean certainly she is older, but still definitely a child. We don’t want anything to extravagant,” Mom said, in a voice that was trying hard not to show her amusement.
“Oh pish-posh now Helen, don’t you remember when you were 13? Not to mention, Jamie has always been wise beyond her age and more mature that all the kids in her class. I mean think about last year when all the girls were swooning over that Jessie Carter or Aaron McCartney, whoever he was. Jamie stayed perfectly level headed. For Jamie her 13th birthday might as well be her 17th birthday with the way that girl acts. She needs and deserves extravagant.” Kate said, with more arm gestures than I could count.
Mom sighed and rubber her forehead, a sure sign that trouble was brewing. Mom turned to me and gave me a weak smile. I smile back at her, showing her I was there for support.
“Rori honey, why don’t you go to the back room and play know. I will come and get you when it is time to pick out Jamie’s present.”
I knew Mom was just trying to get rid of me, but I didn’t mind. My ice tea was gross and all the ice cubes had either been eaten or melted. Plus I really want to go and play with all of Kate’s fun collection.
“Sure Mommy,” I said and I got up and walked towards the back room. Kate barely even noticed I had left and began right on talking to mom as if the conversation had never stopped. As I turned down the hall I could hear her “Now Helen really…”
I walked faster.

Well that is all I have for now bros and sisses, but I will definitely post more later. I already have it written in my notebook I just have to type it up. Keep reading to find out what Jamie gets for her birthday and what the White's fun birthday tradition is.
God Bless from your big sis!
Jessica

Merry Christmas Everyone

2007-12-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

Ok so today was awesome as I am sure it was for millions of you all. Christmas is definitely the most amazing day of the year. God is so good all the time, and Christmas is definitely a great reminder of that. It is the day he sent his son, HIS SON, to die for all of us. Can you imagine such a sacrifice? Could you make such a great sacrifice? I know I would definitely have a hard time accepting that. Man he is wonderful!
I want to tell you the entire Christmas story but I want it to be the ending note. First I want to send you all a Merry Christmas as well as tell you about my Christmas. Today was a great and fun filled day. We had agreed to wake up my parents at 6am to open presents, but instead my parents surprised us by waking us up at 5am. I got to be the Christmas Elf this year and hand out all the presents.
Here is the list of what everyone got in age order lol: (except me lol)
My younger sister: a robot building kit, littlest pet shop playhouse, Webkinz stuff, and a Barbie.
My youngest brother: a Dronkey, a comic book, a razor scooter and all the equipment.
My other younger brother: a CD, a video game, a robot, and a camcorder.
My older sister: a bunch of scrap booking stuff and a sweater
My mom: a candle, an MP3 player, a drawing, and a pencil holder.
My dad: clothes, a light up musical tie (heehee), and a flat screen TV
And I got: a CD, a teacher, and a Date to meet with my favorite author Karen Kingsbury!!! I am so excited!! On January 5th my mom and I are going to a Women’s Conference and we are going to meet her there!! I am super excited (as I am sure you couldn’t tell lol).
But now it is time to talk about the most important thing of the day, Jesus. Every year my dad tells us the Nativity story, and every year he has a different take on it. This year told it from the angle of giving up your dreams for the Lord. I mean can you imagine what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph? Mary probably had dreams of having a loving family with a man she knew could be trusted and who would keep her safe during this harsh time. Joseph had been told his whole life that this was the generation and that he could be destined for greatness. They were both following all the rules and going in the way they thought was the big plan. Mary was waiting for her husband and learning how to be a wife. Joseph had started his career and was about to start his own family, well of course waiting for the greatness that was supposed to befall, maybe a messiah. Than he finds out that the women that he was supposed to marry was pregnant, and she claims it was God’s child. And Mary had to deal with the fact that she had nothing but faith and her word to prove that the child was the child of God. But they made the decision to put aside the dreams or plans that they thought was for their lives and go with the plan that God gave them. I mean what if Joseph decided not to marry Mary; what if he decided that he was too busy waiting around for his destiny. I mean to Joseph it probably seemed like he was trading in his destiny. I mean how was he to know how big it was going to be, how was he to know that this was his destiny.
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t dream big, but it does mean that we should always listen to the ever present voice of God. God dreams bigger for us than we ever dream for ourselves. He knows our ultimate destiny. We just have to listen and wait for the star to guide us.
Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas filled with the true love and the true gift from our savior.
Your sister always,
Jessica

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Now playing: Yolanda Adams - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Back By Popular Demand

2007-12-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

Back by popular demand, and so you guys don’t think I fell of the face of the Earth, I thought I would finally do that update I owe you.

Life has been crazy around here. Between finals, field trip, and Holiday stuff, the days are just flying by. This for me is good because I am SO EXICTED about Christmas!! There are only 3 days and I am trying not to watch the clock so much. Why is it that the time flies by when you don’t want it too but it slows down when you get excited about something?! I really don’t understand it myself, but oh well.
So I was trying to decide whether to write out the Nativity story or tell you all what I have been up to. I decided to start with a me update and than do the other one maybe Christmas day or something, that is of course if I remember.
So let’s start with school. In school I am actually kind of sad it is ending, well at least one class. Remember all the funny stuff I have been posting? Well that is from my Critical Thinking class which is so fun. I am actually the class clown, which I have never been before, but this class brings out the fun in me. I am the youngest one in my class, but I have made some really good friends with a couple of the ladies in my class, who really don’t seem to mind what age I am. We just laugh and have a good time. Sometimes we will “Sing” songs in our class forum by taking turns writing the song lines lol. But alas it is coming to an end which means the dreaded finals. I truly never understood why people hated finals, since I was home-schooled and finals were like the report I needed to turn into mom. I mean we had tests, but they were no big deal because they were state issued based on the performance of the average public school kid, I passed with flying colors. But know I truly understand and I am sorry for anyway I have ever laughed at (which I don’t think is anyone but I night have been thinking it). Anyway for finals I have to analyze a bunch of argument type articles and write a 1500 words essay about healthy eating. I am done though and it is due tomorrow and than I am done until after the 7th of next year, so I guess I can stop complaining lol!!
For Christmas Mi Familia is going to keep it simple and remember the real reason and the true gift of the season. On Christmas Eve we are going to open one present (Which is always PJ’s). Than we are going to snack on Cheese and crackers while we watch Christmas Vacation. Than we will try hard to sleep, because for some reason it is impossible to sleep on Christmas Eve, apparently the sand man takes that night off. Than we will wake up early and before we open our presents and stocking my dad will tell the Christmas story. My dad is an awesome story teller and always tells it in a way that puts it in a context we can relate to. Than after the story we take turns opening presents, oohing and awing over all the fabulous gifts. This year we did a secret Santa and I drew my little brother Alex, whose thing right now is dragons and comics. So I got him a Dronkey (from Shrek) and a Powermark Comic (a Christian comic book that he loves). The Secret Santa is not very secret because no one in my family can keep a secret. So I know that my other younger brother Michael has me. Oh well! I am sure it will be fun anyway. After all the gifts and a family brunch, we are going to go see the movie Alvin and The Chipmunks!! It will be super fun! We saw Mr. Magoriums Wonder Emporium for Thanksgiving and it was really good (although I missed the ending because my little sister had to go to the Bathroom, but that is another story)
Anyhoo that is what I have been up to. I hope this update is good enough, and that you guys don’t fee abandoned lol. I will post again soon, hopefully the Christmas story or at least another chapter of Worrywart, which has also been ignored.
Happy Holidays All!!!
Your Sister in Christ always,
Jessica

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Now playing: Nirva Dorsaint - No Ordinary Love

Thank You

2007-11-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Today is Thanksgiving all, so I wanted to thank anyone who has supported my craziness by coming to my page. I really appreciate you checking it out and I am glad I can share and chat with you. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember the number one to be thankful for is our loving God! He always loves and always provides. Keep watching all, he will bless you in great numbers, and that is definitely something to be thankful for.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy this time of love and thanks-giving.

Your big, loving sister in Christ,

Jessica

Its a hard knock life

2007-11-14T21:28:00.000-08:00

Oh boy life sure is hard for us college students; strenous work loads, lack of sleep, and participation points that consist of joining a hilarious discussion. My teacher posted these and I laughed so hard. Here is the discussion and my comments. Enjoy!!:
Teachers post-
Hi Class, any thoughts?

16 THINGS THAT IT TOOK ME OVER 50 YEARS TO LEARN :

By Dave Barry, Nationally, Syndicated Columnist

1 . Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

2 . If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race Has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."

3 . There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."

4 . People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

5 You should not confuse your career with your life.

6 . Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

7 . Never lick a steak knife.

8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.

9 . You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.

10 You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

11 . There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.

12 . The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.

13 . A person, who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)

14 . Your friends love you anyway.

15 . Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. .. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

16 . Thought for the day: Men are like fine wine.. They start out as grapes, and it's up to the women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

My Comments- Mine are in red!
This is awesome! What a great way to meet participation points. I how you don't mind but I am totally stealing this and putting it on my blog.
So here are my favorites and my thoughts on them:

1 . Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.- Enough said

5 You should not confuse your career with your life- We have a career so we can make a living, not a living so we can have a career

6 . Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.- I sometimes forget this one, but it is so beautiful. It reminds me of the dance like no ones watching.

7 . Never lick a steak knife.- Okay, show of hands, who has done this one?

9 . You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.- Exactly! Good reasons anyone?!

10 You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment. - The thing about this rule is it really only applies to guys, the poor dears. Why is it that you never hear of girls making this mistake? Whenever we go to rub a women's belly like she is buddha, we always end up guessing right?

12 . The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.- And we are all wrong.

15 . Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. .. A large group of professionals built the Titanic- Good point, never thought about that.

Anyway, thanks for listening to my insane comments. These are great teach! Thanks for making me laugh!!

This is what I posted to my class and what I get credit for, nice huh? Lol Feel free to join in the discussion and leave your comments!

Good Night all!
Your Big Sister In Christ,
Jessica

Memories

2007-11-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

There are some memories in life that as soon as they happen you know you are going to remember them forever. It is those times when you feel really special, really comfortable, or even really silly.
As I have said before I am an older sister. I have an 8 year old sister who is my hearts delight and whom I love to pieces. We have a really close relationship and she is one of the few people that can break my personal bubble and let out the silliness. Tonight well we were getting ready for bed we were goofing around in the bathroom, teasing and sinning the song "Your so Vain" I know, not really an 8 yr old type song, but we had seen it on TV that day. My family watches a show called "Don't forget the Lyrics" and on it there happened to be the song "Your so Vain".
Anyway we were singing in the bathroom and being generally silly, when we heard my mom began to play the song on her computer. We did our own much louder, much sillierversion of Charlie's Angels. We tiptoed up to the door and than plastered ourselves against the wall "hiding". We tiptoed some more, until my little sister put up her hand to stop, shushing me, who was laughing hysterically, so I didn't blow our cover. She peaked around the corner, Sticking her head in the door and thinking our parents wouldn't notice. I, of course was cracking up by now and I whispered "umm I think they can see you" Again she shoosed me, so that we could be sneaky. She looked so silly pretending to be sneaky that we finally burst and started laughing and just walked into the office. Than she began her own disco style dance moves to Carly Simon, which was equally funny. I knew that memory would stay with me forever and I love her even more for it.
As I get older and she gets older, we have less and less of these kinds of moments. I still remember her with a baby face, walking into preschool. But she is know spending more time on the phone than me, and I am preparing to move out and start my own life. My little brothers are now thinking about graduating, driving, shaving, and of course girls. It seems like just yesterday they were sitting in the kitchen in there diapers with milk spilled all around them. But these memories, as well as many others will be with me forever. I pray that all of you will look around you and take advantage of these little wonderful moments. As for me, I am going to spend every second I can making memories.
I send you all my love and big sister hugs,
Your sister in Christ always and forever,
Jessica

This by the way is my little sister favorite song on this cd:
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Now playing: Superchick - Pure
via FoxyTunes

Be careful what you say, it might get published

2007-11-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

For one of my classes I was reading about clear writing. Wish is basically write what you mean. Now I too have wrote something And than read it later and realized my mistake but here are some that got published in my textbook and they are quite funny. This is property of AXIA University all but enjoy!
Once your body gets cold, the rest of you will get cold, too.
Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge? Asked by airport security

From actual doctors files.
Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.
The patient has been depressed ever since she began seeing me in 1983.
The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.
The patient refused an autopsy.
The patient has no past history of suicides.
Patient has left his white blood cells at another hospital.
The patient left the hospital feeling much better except for her original complaints.

After he removed the trash from the pool, the children played in it.
He brushed his teeth on the carpet,
She wiped up the water with her younger brother.
Enjoy all! Hope it gives you a good laugh!!
Jessica

Hard work pays off

2007-10-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

Friends,
So since I wrote to you guys when I finished my finals I thought it was time for an update in that department. I got great grades for those classes, ending both of them with a B. That is pretty good if I do say so myself.
This next term is going really good. My teachers are really great. One of them is a retired Air force officer. He is really laid back and very funny. My other teacher is very professional but very helpful!
Anyway friends, have a happy and safe Halloween. My family is full of people who aren't feeling well, so we are keeping it simple this year. We are going to visit all our neighborhood friends and get candy from them. my little sis is Bo peep, one brother is going as David and the other is going as an elf from lord of the rings. My mom is going to where funny fake eyelashes and long funny nails. I am wearing a blue fairy costume. The whole family is in on the action!! I hope you all have fun but remember to be safe to. Be responsible and also remember that where ever you go you are an example of God so live how he would live. Halloween is a great holiday for temptation but I now all my brothers and sisters in Christ will have the strength to steer away. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers tonight. My the Lord bless you all with safety and LOTS OF CANDY!!
Your sister in Christ,
Jessica

Btw look at a cool added feature I just figured out.

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Now playing: Tobymac - I'm for You
via FoxyTunes

Cool huh?

Jesus take the wheel

2007-10-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

Ever heard this song by Carrie Underwood? Well i am the kind of girl that gets inspiration from songs. This song really grabbed me though. I love the meassage of the whole thing. Jesus take the wheel, control our lives, drive the car. Sometimes we really think we want to be in charge, we want to be in charge, but of course when something goes wrong we blame God. But can you imagine how wonderful life would be if we really let God take the wheel? Taking it completly from our hands.
So here you go god, Jesus take the wheel.
Good Night all!
I am in a sweet big sister mood so here is a kiss goodnight and a sweet dreams. know where ever you are there is a sweet big sister watching out for you who will protect you from anything, even if I am younger than some of you lol.
Jessica

Who needs Utube

2007-10-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

People people hear me hear me. Check this out! if you thought you needed UTube you will LOVE this. I find this hilarious. Everyone introducing Godtube.com. It is really awesome and amazingly funny! I would suggest the video Baby Got Book. It is really funny!! Anyway all check it out it is fun and hilarious!!
Your hysterically laughing sister in Christ,
Jessica

Another dose of Worrywart

2007-10-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

Alright I know there has been a lot of blogs lately but what can I say i love to write. Check out the latest in the latest Worrywart installment. Recap Roi is a 6 yr old girl who loves to worry. She has a mom, dad ,and a 12 yr old sister. *Edit BTW last time I said her sister was 11 but I realized that it didn't fit. She is 12* We found out that she has a new very big worry. If you need more specifics check out my original post.

Chapter 2- Going to Kates
Summer is the best time of the year. You can swim in your pool, eat ice cream, and play with your sister with out her having to leave for school. School is boring; school is the number one place I do not want to go. I am sure that Mom will never make me go there, that is one worry I do not have. Only older siblings go to school anyways, like Jamie or Tommy Shaines older brother Matthew. I hate school because school means that Jamie has to leave and I love Jamie soooo much. The house is too boring with out her there to make me laugh, or read me stories, or make up funny games. But she has to go 5 days a week when summer is over and I have to stay home, bored, alone.
That is why I love summer. Right now Mom and I are going to Kate’s Jewelry Emporium to shopping for a gift for Jamie. We are buying her a gift because it is almost her birth day, and not just any birthday but her 13th birthday! She is going to be officially a teenager. She keeps going around the house talking about how she is “practically an adult”. Jamie turning 13 is something that will have a page in my Worry Journal.

Worry Journal
July 19th 10:33am

Jamie is turning 13. I have a list of things to worry about.

1. What will Jamie do about zits? Henry Wheeler’s sister Rebecca has zits and she is always talking about how much she hates them. I heard she even puts toothpaste on her face! How very strange.
2. What if Jamie becomes a completely different person? What if she wakes up on the day of her birthday with different hair, face, skin color, everything? And what if I don’t even recognize her? What if she is standing right in front of me and I don’t even know who she is? Who will I give her gift to?

“Mom,” I asked in my most serious voice, the one I specially reserve just for worries.
“Yes Rori honey?” she answered turning her head slightly to look at me and smile, and than turn back to look at the road.
“Mom, when Jamie turns 13, will she suddenly turn into an alien and I won’t recognize her under all the green skin and antennas?”
See the best thing to do with worries is to tell them to Mommies. Mommies can solve any worry imaginable, from aliens to monsters under your bed. It doesn’t even have to be your mommy specifically, just a mommy. Even Robert Salder down the streets mommy. Mommies always have the right answer and they don’t laugh at you quietly behind their hand like daddies do. My dad does that all the time, the other day he did that and tried to pretend he was coughing.
“Rori honey, Jamie will always be Jamie, without any green skin even when she turns 397, ok? Plus wouldn’t we still love Jamie even with green skin?” She said doing some more smiling that made me feel all warm inside. I imagined Jamie with green skin and began to laugh. It would be hard to have a sister with green skin but at least she would make a good show and tell. I started to feel a little better, but I still kept the worry at the back of my mind so I could worry about it later.
“Here we are honey,” Mom said pulling into the parking lot. I got out of the car and looked up at Kate’s. Kate’s is one of the fanciest places in town, maybe even in the whole world. The front of it reminded me of a palace with a red carpet that led up the steps.

There is more but not typed up. Sorry to leave you a cliff hanger. Tell me what you think!
Your sister in Christ,
Jessica

The Twenty first time

2007-10-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

So I just heard this song on the radio today and had to find and share it. It is amazing and really gets you thinking. I am not sure how to add music or videos or else I would add the song. here is the lyrics though.

“nowhere to live, nowhere to fall
he used to have money, but he’s wasted it all
his face is a photograph burned in my mind
but i pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

he sleeps under stars, that’s all he can afford
his blankets and an old coat he’s had since the war
he stands on the corner of carter and vine
but i pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

he may be a drifter, he’s grown old and gray
what if he’s Jesus and i walk away?
i say i’m the body and drink of the wine
but i pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

she’s twenty-nine but she feels forty-eight
she can’t raise three kids on minimum wage
she’s cryin’ in back of the welfare line
but i pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

she may be a stranger tryin’ to get through the day
but what if it’s Jesus and i walk away?
i say i’m the body and drink of the wine
but i pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

this is a call for a change in my heart
i realize that i’ve not been doin’ my part
when i needed a Savior, i found it in Him
He gave to me, now i’ll give back to them

drifter or stranger, father or son
i’ll look for Jesus in every one
’cause i am the body and drink of the wine
and i’m thankful there’s more than the twenty-first time”

~ “the twenty-first time”… by monk & neagle

Hope that makes everyone think.
Have a great day all!
Your sister always,
Jessica

Have you ever?

2007-10-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought you wanted to be something that it runs out you hate or have no talent in. for instance I wanted to be a teacher at one point but I hate school. OK I don't hate it but I really just am glad it is almost done. I also wanted to be an editor. i was actually pretty good at finding common mistakes and I love to read so some one actually told me that I would make a good editor. But it turns out I really don't know that much about grammar, go figure. I even thought I might want to be a celloist and I could even play the Cello, but I found it kind of boring. Even now I have the things that I want to do that I am not really sure about. For example I thing I want to join the Air force. I think military is an amazing career choice plus I like what they do and what they stand for. But I have my doubts about basic. I am told that physically it is not to shabby but emotionally you need to be prepared. Well see that is my weak point, I am emotional. So who knows about that.
Also I love to write and have every intention to be a writer but than there is that ever present doubt, is this what God want me too do? I mean don't to serve God you have to become a nun or something? I wonder what job could I do where my talents better serve God?
But I have come to a semi conclusion all and I want to share it with you. I still don't know all the answers, and I still feel the everyday things around me that tell me I should make a decision, but I have chosen instead a verse. Fully rely on God. I am going to FROG it people. Fully rely means not sometimes, not when you have all the answers, not when it is easy, but always and fully. So no more worrying and wondering. Although I am sure there will be lapses, I am certainly not perfect, but I am going to try. And I would suggest to all of you who I know are out there struggling with this to FROG it along with me. God will provide we just need to learn pateince and as God said in Evan Almighty (OK Morgan Freeman playing God but still) God doesn't give you a direct boost of patience, he gives us opportuinties to grow our patience and to grow our faith. Now we have to do our part.

God,
Thank you for always providing.
Help me too see when you do
and help me to wait and rely.
I plan to FROG it for awhile God
so it might be a bumpy ride lol.
Love you and thanks for a beautiful day!
Amen

Have an awesome day all!
Your sister in Christ,
Jessica

Getting old(er)

2007-10-21T21:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my older sister moved out. It is a very strange feeling. Its like she is still living here but than i remember she isn't. I know that sounds dumb but my sister and I have always been together and she has always been part of the picture so it just seems like she is still here. I find myself walking into the garage, expecting her apartment to be there, and I keep expecting her to wake me up early in the morning when she gets home from work. It is really weird that she isn't living here anymore. I know it has only been one day but still.
My sister and i used to be really close. We were the youngest girls and she was the only one I could talk into playing Barbies with me. We began to grow apart as she made friends and became concerned with being popular. Our main focuses changed and we really got our personalities. I finally realized how different we really were. She is kind of loud and loves to be social and have people like her. I am really quiet but at the same time I am really friendly to people, particularly the underdogs or anyone who is left out. Also she doesn't really know who she wants to be and I have very set moral and character standards. Sometimes I think my head is in this fantasy that we are the worlds best sisters but in reality we have never really gotten along.
But either way I still love her and miss her. She is my big sister and the house feels incomplete with out her. The strange thing is that we are actually getting along better know. I think we were constantly rubbing each other the wrong way and it built up a lot of tension. Now when she comes I don't get that tense angry feeling I used to, know I am more relaxed and we just talk and hang out like, well sisters.
Anyway I am almost 18, my baby sister is in the third grade, my baby brother is turning 16 and graduating this year, and my youngest baby brother is officially a teenager, and to a certain degree it is really sad. I almost wish I could rewind time and turn them all into little kids again because I don't really want all of it to end. I really don't want my childhood to be over that fast. But I do love watching them mature. I love watching them become these wonderful people I knew they would be and it makes me look forward to the future. Things like their future careers, spouses, children.
So here is to growing up. It is the most bitter sweet experience ever but it is about that silver lining again.
Thanks for listening,

Dear God,
Thank you.
I know you made change for a reason.
And just like the leaves that are changing colors,
the world around me is adapting and changing into knew life.
Help me to see the silver lining to everyday
and to accept these changes as the wonderful blessing you have made it to be.
I love you
Amen

Your sister in Christ,
Jessica

FINALS!!!!!

2007-10-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

Well I know I said the next blog would be about fear but that will have to come next because I had to write this. I just, as in I just turned it in, finished a 1500 word student survival guide for my finals. It was one of the hardest and most boring finals I have ever had to do but I am glad I finished. I feel good, a sense of accomplishment. And now of course my whole typing is thrown off, more than usual, because I have been typing for about 2hrs and it is 10:30 at night. Basically I am ecstatic and all I can think off is really weird thoughts such as, I love the TV show Chuck. Chuck is the funniest show ever. And i wish my rhapsody account worked and I wonder what my next finals will be....etc Apparently I am really tired but I feel good. I finished, still one left but it is easy. I will have it finished within a half an hour.. tomorrow. Tonight I am calling it quits and going to bed. The only down fall is that the next term starts on monday, bummer!
Anyway I had to brag and feel good about myself so thank you for joining in. Good Night all!
Your relieved but slightly loopy sister in christ,
Jessica

Theres gotta be more to life

2007-10-14T22:14:00.000-07:00

Anyone heard this Stacie Orrico Song? Well I am listening to it well I write this and it makes me think of how true it is. Sometimes I get sick of same old same old. I want to break out of this box that myself and the world have put me in. I would be so different I think that I would even surprise myself, because inside of me there is this incredibly hyper and outgoing person, which for some reason only comes out when I write. You know those people in church who can dance, scream, and sing at the top of their lungs; praising God with everything they have inside of them? Well inside of me there is that person. You know the person who smiles so bright and are so warm that they are friends and lights to everyone? Deep down I am that person. What keeps that person stuffed down there? I have an idea. It is a big ugly word. FEAR. I am afraid to be that person sometimes. Sometimes I can scream in church, sometimes I can be super silly, and sometimes I am the biggest beacon of light that anyone has ever seen. But other times I am too afraid to let that person show. I think God designed that person for a reason, a way to bring people to Christ. I think that is why my writing is what I love to use to express to all of you. Because it is the way I can truly express my core. I am trying to let that person out in public, and not to whine for more in life. For now though I am going to allow life as it is, and use each and everyday as an opportunity to be that person. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Even dance like no one is watching.
Try and be that person today. Be yourself and nobody else because if you don't who will?

Dear God,
Thank you for making us the way we are.
Sometimes we don't like it and beg for more,
but you made us this way for a reason.
Help us to be ourselves
and to let that inner self we keep hidden out.
We know we can do everything with your strength,
so help us to lean on it.
In you name,
Amen

Have a great day everyone. Go be a beacon!
Your sister in Christ always,
Jessica

STOP!!!

2007-10-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

Every had a busy day? Never I am sure. Of course, we all have. Today I am having a busy day, in fact I don't even really have time to write this but, hey I make time lol. And don't get me wrong either, I am the kind of person who prefers to be busy instead of doing nothing all day.
But Today I was realized that I need to slow down and stop a bit. i need to stop and take time to be with God. He is the one who will carry me through this crazy day and he will be the one calming my nerves along the way, So shouldn't I pause to take a moment for him. It is like with any sports team before the game starts you all meet up and talk about the game. You also give each other encouragement. Imagine what it would be like if everyone on the team just got out there and immediately started playing. They didn't get together in a huddle first, or discuss who would be starting, they just met and played. Although that can work in street games where rules are forgotten, it would make a real game very confusing. None of the players would know the play or what they were supposed to be doing.
It is the same thing with God. When we meet with him in the morning, before we start are day, and spend some time with him, we will be more prepared for the game of life. he gives us are "plays" in the bible verses we read. And he gets us hyped for the game by his encouraging words in prayer. Alone times with God is important, not so we can check off on our good behavior chart "OK I prayed today, now I am .2% a better christian than Curtis" It is so we can grow with God so we can make it through the day with are feet firmly planted. That is important, probably most important. So all I pass along this hard learned, still learning lesson. Spend daily time with God, no matter how busy your day gets, because with out are feet firmly planted on the rock, we will fall into the sand.

God,
I am sorry that I let my day get in the way of spending time with you.
Help me to put you first because you have always put me first.
Please plant my feet firmly on your rock today my lord,
and help me to keep my head above the water.
I thank you for the day you have given me and
I thank You for walking it with me.
I love you.
Your daughter,
Jessica

Have a good day all! I am back to more crazy days!
God Bless!
Your sister in Christ,
Jessica

New story

2007-10-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ok people this is the first chapter of my new story. It is about a little girl who loves to worry. Let me know what you think!

Chapter 1: Meet Worrywart!

Hi my name is Worrywart! Well actually, not really, but that is what everyone calls me. I am a worrier, naturally and through and through. See the story goes like this:

My real name is Rory White. I live in Chitanuga, Chicago with in a small apartment. It is kind of cramped but cozy for us. “Us” is me, my parents, and my older sister Jamie. Plus skipper, my turtle. When I was born my older sister Jamie couldn’t talk good (she was not as good a talker at 6 as I am. She tells me that all the time.). Anyway, Jamie used to call me Wori and it kind of stuck. Even would Jamie could talk she and mom and dad still called me Wori.
Than when I was 3, mom left me in a grocery store by accident. I stayed by the meat section for hours (mom said it was only 5 minutes but I am not so sure). I worried the whole time. That is when I realized, there are lots of things in life to worry about. For instance, what do you do if your Mom accidentally leaves you with the hamburger? Or what would we do if Jamie was abducted by aliens? See what I mean, there are plenty of things to worry about so many in fact that some things get neglected. So that is when I became an official worrier, someone has to be right? I mean what would all those worries do if no one worried them? (That is definitely another thing to worry about). I have a Worry Journal where I write down all of my worries. It is big and has a green cover with one of those weird worry faces you get at the therapist. I keep track of every worry I have and when I had the worry. Someday I can look back and see what worries I had and which ones have been neglected. That way the neglected ones can be worried again.

Anyway, Wori became Worry and later Jamie tagged on the wart. So know I am Worrywart! Everyone I know calls me that (except from Grandma Ruth) and I like it! I like to worry; I mean who else is going to if I don’t? We have to defend the worries of the world!

So that is me, Worrywart. I am 6 years old. I have an 11 year old sister, and my Mom and Dad. But most importantly I love to worry. That is the number one thing to remember about me, because it has to do with the story I need to tell you. It is the story of my biggest worry. I have never had a worry this big before! This one is really, really BIG!
Let me start from the beginning…

Comment about what you think! I need honest feedback here all, so tell me what you liked and what I can fix.
God Bless all!
Your Sister in Christ!
Jessica

You know you are a homeschooler if...

2007-10-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

I do not know if I ever mentioned this but I am homeschooled. Well actually technically I was Homeschooled but now I am graduated and do college online. But anyway I found this on christianteens.net and thought I would share it with you.

You Might Be a Homeschooler If....
You come to school in your PJ's.
Your biology lab consists of assisting in your sibling's birth.
Your stacks of books to check out is taller than the librarian.
Your PE comes from chasing little toddlers around.
Your school bus is a 9 passenger van.
You consider school work after lunch to be cruel and unusual punishment.
Your father has ever told the check-out lady at Wal-mart, "We're on a field trip."
Your social life is viewed by some to be one rung lower than that of a Benedictine monk.
Your teacher has ever written your report card on a napkin.
You have to move dirty laundry off your desk before your can start school.
The signatures on your diploma all end with the same last name.
Everyone else in the world is referred to as "Non-homies."
Your Mother's wardrobe consists primarily of denim jumpers.
Your first real date is on your honeymoon.
The word 'homework' sounds like an foreign language.
Your yearbook is also your babybook.
A snow day means that you shovel the driveway after you finish your school work.
You enjoy the pastime of watching public school kids walk home from school.
You have to look at the clock to see if you can call your public school friends yet.
You think that public-school-kid is an insult of the highest degree.
Health class consists of eating breakfast.
You have to decide what year you want to graduate.
You are always late but just call it "homeschooler time."
You can remember nearly every single day you went to public school.
The teacher can kiss the principal, and no one thinks it's unusual.
You get to school and the teacher asks you if you've done all your chores.
You are one of the best people in the world! :)

Heehee, hope that made you laugh.
Again just wanted to add,i did not write this. You can check it out on its original webpage, www.christianteens.net Check the site out see if you like it!

See you all later. Enjoy your day!
Jessica

So...

2007-09-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

So this is a little unusual for me but I am just going to post a blog on me and who I am as a person. Usually I post devotional type that I have already written but today I am just going to fly so bare with me.
I have been a Christian my whole life, it is the only thing I have ever known and I can not imagine my life with out God. I used to think that just because of that I had not much in common with other Christians. It seemed like every book or show you saw was always about teens who became Christians after years of struggle. This got me thinking, "What can I share and have in common with them?" and it got me really down. I love relating to other teens and I really wanted to help but I didn't think I could. But you know the funny thing is, I have been through most of the hardships that other teens have and I just don't really think about them or let them affect me. For instance, my parents got divorced when I was 8 yrs. It was one of the hardest things i have ever had to deal with. My mom actually left my dad and us 5 kids for drugs and another man. But, when I was 11 years old my dad met and married the most wonderful woman in the world. I was ready for a mother, almost a teen being raised by a single dad. Dad was great and he is my hero, but Mom is my best friend. She came and I was immediatly in love. I began to call her mom within 2 weeks of them dating and it has never changed. So see I don't think of that as a hardship.
New discovery though, I am a teen. I was shocked by that. Ok not really but, it hit me, i do have things in common with other teens, ME!! I am a teen. I have to deal with all the crazy teen stuff we all go through. And I had and idea, why not instead relating on a level that none of us want to be on, why not create a new level, a new image for teens everywhere. Anybody ever get sick of the saying "Well since everyone else is doing it we might as well let them?" I hate it. I want to stand out, I don't to be what everyone telss me I am supposed to be, I wnat to decide what I am supposed to be. Anyone else out there feel the same? So let us do it, let us change the view of teens that the world has put on us. No more well they are all doing it. If we are all going to do something let it be constructive. Did you know that teenagers are the number one responders to national crisis? its true, when the going gets tough we take action. But does anyone talk about this? No, it is just the stuff that goes on in the high schools and in the community. I know that we all can change the world because you guys we are the world, we are the future. It will be are kids and grandkids, and so forth that will be the world. We are the ones who can a nd will change the world, So who is with me? This is not something we can do alone but it is something we can do.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for making us just the way we are.
Thank you for everything about us and for believing
in us. Help us to believe in ourselves, because we are the world.
We can and will change the world, but we need you help to do it.
Give us the strength and the courage to push past obstacles
place in fron of us and to be ourselves, because you
made us this way for a reason.
We Love you Lord.
Give us strength,
Amen

Your fellow sister in Christ,
Jessica

Mission Trips:The Good and The Bad II

2007-08-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am sorry you guys but i am so long winded that this post has to be a 2 part episode. I called this the good and the bad but I only alked about the good. I wanted to tell you all about how I learned from the bad too but I just couldn't stop talking about those sweet kids.
Better stop myself or else I will never stay on topic.
I went on this trip with a group of college kids. I was the youngest one but by a unamimous vote I was the most mature. The group I went with was definitly some very dedicate crazy about Jesus christians, howvever they still tend to focus on butts and fart jokes. So anyway this trip was not the serious, moving experince I expected. Have you ever had someone say to you, the experince will change and it doesn't? You feel like a failure, you start asking yourself "What did I do wrong?" Oh don't get me wrong there was some defintitly some amazing moments, for instance the children (better be careful not to get carried away) and our bus driver. Our bus drivers name was Aaron (which was funny to us because we had 2 Aarons and a Darrin on our trip with us.) He immediatly took us by opening the bus doors and saying you can not get on this bus to our leader. She looked at him and looked at us and just as she was about to question and explain he took her luggage from her hand and told her it was his job to carry on the luggage. He was funny and he had an amazing voice that sang us a wonderful gospel song. He told us that he was born in the Dream center back when it was Queen Of Angels hospital. Than the Dream center also nchanged his life around, keeping him of the streets and out of gangs. He defintly showed me about divine appointments.

Anyway, man I like to talk lol, this trip was still a little disappointing. Sure I so some amazing things, and I hate to whine but I felt like I could have helped more people. I think the biggest problem was the focus of our group, we focuses on fun. How fast can we ride down a hill or pranks on one anothers cars. Heck our dvd of the trip has like ten clips of the other van going tdown this stupid hill lol. I understand having fun, I am not a ninny but I wonder what it would have been like if instead we squeazed some extra moments of helping people in schedule. Why did we stop when the clock said to? We could have skipped Hollywood and gone on a mission or something. Man I don't want to sound like a whiner but I feel like I disappoited God. He gave me the oppurtunites and I failed to see them. I remeber that one guys I talked to was so drunk that it scared me, and was so naive that it took me a second to figure it out. I mean what if I had sepnt more time as a group helping people maybe we could have helped him instead of me just leaing becuase I was so freaked out.

I don't know guys, now I need some advice. I am a Jesus Freak and all i have ever wanted is to serve God. Did I let him down? Was there something I could have and should have done differently? Did I miss a Divine Appointment?
I am Just looking for some direction, please help.

Sincerly, your fellow sinner,
Jessica

Mission Trips; The Good and the Bad

2007-08-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

Okay attention class, how many of been to or at least heard of a mission trip? I don't know abbout all of you but when I imagine Mission trips I always imagine a group of people who need help and serving them with everything you have. Why is it that things never seem to go the way we planned them out in our mind?
Yes everyone, I went on s Mission trip, I went on a trip down in sunny California. Me and a group of other college students went down to Los Angeles, California to a place called the Dream Center. The Dream Center is an amazing place that has some wonderful ministries, you can check it out at there website: http://www.dreamcenter.org/
My very favorite was a sunday school van that goes around to different neighborhoods and j=holda sunday school classes for children. It is one of the most fun and rewarding things I have ever done. The rode around in the van annoucing on a loud speaker where we would be at, making sure to give all us "Shorttermers" (which is he full time staffs name for the people on short term missions) a good tease. The rest of us walked through neighborhoods and apartment buildings knocking on doors and handing out flyers with the time and place. Kids caming pouring out of their houses and even though they had never met most of us before they were climbing all over us within matters of minutes. The boys had kids all over there backs and the girls walked hand in hand.
When we arrived at the location the music was roaring and the kids were running all over. I saw a group of kids cluttering around my big sister at a sign up table and thought i would join in the fun. I went over there and started asking names and grades. Pretty soon i had kids drawing all up and down my arms with permanent marker(hey, they wanted to draw and there was no paper so I thought why not). one little girl become a growth and was stuck to me like glue. When the teachers called she ran with me to the front and sat down in my lap. for some reason, even though I don't know the last time the took a bath and you could see the lice crawling on there heads, it didn't matter. Having her in my lap was one of the most unforgetable moments of my life. We started screaming and dancing to the song "SUPERHERO" and we all got lost in the moment. Even when the teachers had to get kind of boring and actually start the lesson, the kids were still quiet. Even their parents had stuck around to here the bible stories and to learn about Gods great love. OF course they were still active but the teachers knew how to handle them. They had consequences in the form of balloons and prizes. They had balloons on each side and when the kids misbehaved they popped a balloon. Whatever side, boys vs girls, had the most balloons at the end won. (Girls won!) It was a wonderfully amazing experince that opened my eyes.
It is amazing the things that are wonderful. My very favorite part of that trip was having those kids creations all up and down my arms. Oh yeah we toured Hollywood and saw movie stars (Anyone even know who Donny Osmend is? I don't LOL). But my favorite things is looking at the pictures and seeing the remenites of black arms from scrubbing at that permant marker.

I thank God for the wonderful Creations like children because even though they didn't go out of the way to make my day, they did. They are so wonderfully innocent.

Thank you God for Children.
"Jesus said 'Let the children come to me'." Matthew 19:14

Shh!

2006-06-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

"Everyone should quick to listen and slow to speak" James 1:19
Wow, that's a hard one to do. Think of how many of us break that rule everyday. I have 5 brothers and sisters running around the house. They are always talking and making noise, even in their sleeps. Most of the time I sit there thinking "I wish they would quiet down, or at least take turns." I even some times feel as if what they have to say isn't as important as what I have to say simply because they are children.
Sometimes, on the rarest occasions, I sit back and listen to what may actually be the most beautiful sounds ever, Family. That's when I realize how lucky we are that God made sounds. Can you imagine what the planet would be like if there was no sounds? We think at first that it would be blissfully silent, but eventually we would come to miss the beautiful sounds of the world and the people around.
Although we would come to appreciate all of other senses just like many terrific Deaf people, we would still miss the sound of the wind in the trees or the laugh of a friend. So next time we are going to ignore someone or simply not care what they say, think about how important the sound of that persons voice would be to us if we couldn't hear it.

The second part of the verse says to slow to speak.
Think about when you have a fabulous idea, but somebody else is talking. Inside of you the thought is welling up, you feel as if you will pop if you don't say your thought soon. You decide that you just can't wait to say it, so what do you do? Most of us interrupt the person who is talking and say are piece. The Bible says we should be slow to speak, but what if it's really important? Then is it an exception? Unfortunately, God makes no exceptions, no matter if we feel that it is just to important to keep in or not. What if the person who was talking felt that what they had to say was just as important to them? You can really hurt someone by doing that. You can send them a message that you don't care about what they have to say, even if we don't mean to. Think how you would feel if someone had done it to you.

Lets take the time today to really appreciate the sounds around us. Wherever you are just stop a minute and enjoy the sounds.

Dear God,
Thank you for creating the wonderful sounds around us.
We appreciate each and everyone of them even if we don't
show it some times. Help me to remember to be quick to listen
to all there is around me. You made such beautiful sounds
for us to enjoy. Also help us to be slow to speak, for what
others have to say is just important, if not most important.
Thank you,
Amen

Call to Action

2006-02-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

“God I here you calling out to me,
in the voices of the least of these.
Calling me to reach beyond my work,
To the Beautiful Stranger.”
Beautiful Stranger
By Rebecca St. James

I don’t know how many of you have heard that song, but it really grabs your attention. We can find the “Beautiful Stranger” anywhere; the question is what do we do to help? The “Beautiful Stranger” can be anyone we see, whether it’s a homeless person or a fellow teenager who sits alone at lunch. God is constantly nagging at us to help his children. In John, Jesus tells Simon Peter to “Feed his Sheep” John 21:17. In fact if you go back before that he says it twice more, for an equivalent of three times. As Christians, God is telling us to do the same.
Find away to help the people around you. Join a local church group or organization. If you can’t find one that interests you, than start your own. There are plenty of thing we can do to help. It doesn’t even have to be through a group. You can help by just simply sitting down at lunch with the “Loner Kid”. It is our duty as Christians to help the people around us. So, go help a neighbor carry there groceries or join Habitat for Humanity, it doesn’t matter, just do it. Also, feel free to post your ideas. This is your call to action, now it’s your job to take charge. And remember, God says “Do not forget to entertain stranger, for many by doing so have entertained Angels without knowing it” Hebrews 13:12

Dear God,
Please show me what I can do to help your children.
You told me to “Feed your Sheep” and I am willing.
Please place before me the “Beautiful Stranger” you want me to help.
Thank you, dear God.
Amen

Have fun! God Bless!
Jessica :)

Love

2006-02-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hey teens, this is my first devotional I am posting. Yipee! I am so glad to share this with you. Please tell me what you think.:)
Oh love, how romantic. Candies, flowers, jewelry, people walking hand-in-hand. There is love in the everywhere in the air. But what about us single people? Are we supposed to just stand on the sidelines and watch?! This time of year can be particularly hard for us single people. We start to wonder what is wrong with us. For those of us who choose to be single, we start seriously reconsidering our decision.
I think we need to look at it from a different angle and I’m not the only one. One man had a better idea, Jesus. He’s an expert on love; in fact he was the ultimate gift of love. He wants us to try to remember that. He loves you more than any spouse ever could. He wants us to love him back just the same. If we do it right, we should never have to be sad about being single.
Now, this may sound a little strange. God says that he wants to be your husband. You are probably thinking, “What are you talking about? I’ve never heard that before.”
If you read Jeremiah 3:14 will be on the same page.
It says, “For I am your husband”
Seems plain and simple enough for me. If that’s not proof enough try Isaiah 54:5
“For your maker is your husband- the Lord Almighty is his name.”
What more can I say? He loves you that much. This concept is a little hard for our brains to understand. God wants us to have a deeper level of Christianity. He needs us to be Extreme Teens for Christ. For those of you who are not yet Christians, please go and read the post I wrote about becoming a Christian, that’s the first step.
Part of what God wants of us to do at a deeper level is let go. He wants to be a part of the decision making just like a spouse would. When you are married, all of your decisions are made together. God wants that place. No one should second him. If we do this, it will completely transform our relationship with him. We will never feel alone again because we will constantly talking to God. Can you imagine how wonderful that will be?! Our Valentines Day will be transformed into an amazing holiday! Isn’t it a wonderful God we have! So next time you’re feeling down about being single, think about the wonderful love of our Husband, the Lord Almighty.

Dear God,
Thank you for the wonderful love you have for us. It’s wonderful to have a God that cares so much for us. Thank you for being such a wonderful Husband. You will never leave us nor forsake us. You are an awesome God.
Amen

God's Family: Be a Part of It.

2006-02-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

Being a part of Gods family is a serious commitment. I’m not kidding around. However you’ll be full of an inner Peace and abounding Joy that is so amazing words can’t even describe it. Let me start off by telling you about your Father.
God sent his one and only son, Jesus, down to Earth as a baby. Jesus’s virgin mother, Mary, was engaged to a righteous man named Joseph. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that she was to have a virgin birth she obediently accepted her duty. Jesus was a wonderful man; in fact he was the only prefect man. He had many followers that he taught to do good work.
Unfortunately, the people of his town had uproar towards Jesus because he was stirring up their beliefs and traditions. The people got so mad in fact that they hung him on a cross. Jesus died on that cross. They buried him in a tomb and all his followers mourned. But three days later, he rose again! He was made alive again through the power of God.
This is the same power of Love that he wants to give to us. You see Jesus was Gods gift of life for us. Jesus’s blood was shed so that our hearts would be cleansed of the sins we commit. That is a powerful Love that no other being can give. You will not find it anywhere else. God is one of a kind. He wants to love us. All we have to do is ask him to come into our heart and cleanse you from your sin. It’s that easy! You can do this through prayer. In the Bible it says “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in me shall not die but live eternally with me in Heaven” John 3:16
He is ready and waiting for you. If you are ready to accept him into your heart than just pray this prayer you don’t need to say this exact prayer, this is just an example:

Dear God,
I know that I have sinned.
I need you to come into my
Heart and make me clean. Thank
You for sending your only son to
Die for me. Thank you for this wonderful
Gift you are giving me.
Amen

Yeah! Congratulations and welcome to the family! I am now your sister in Christ. I am here to help you now. Please read the devotionals and if you have any questions or comments or just need help with life feel free to post. I’ll be here to help you as well to post. I’ll be here to help you, as well as all your new siblings in God’s Family that you know have. Welcome to the Family!! Get ready for an adventure!

P.S. If you were not ready to say the prayer, don’t fret. Read the devotions here and see if they help you. Also, find a pastor or adult you can talk to. Also post any questions you have and we’ll help you here.

God Bless,
Jessica

Welcome

2006-02-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

Hi all my Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thanks for checking out my site. I started this site to share with you the Love and Joy I have gotten through Jesus. Please, read the devotionals. If you are interested in becoming a part of Gods glorious family, please say the prayer that I have posted. There is always room in the big happy family that God has created for us.
Also, I’ll be posting my stories here. Please feel free to read them and give me your comments. I’m willing to take the criticism.:)
Well, check out the site and have fun!:)