Friday's Letters || 2

Happy Friday! I'm linking up with Ashley to share these lovely letters! 

• Dear 4th period students, thanks for bringing me cookies  after lunch and requesting that we listen to music during class. It was my favorite period of the day. 
• Dear Summer, I am very excited for you to get here. I don't know my exact plans yet but I hope that they include visiting my dad and spending at least a week at the beach. I also anticipate lots of sleeping in and trips to the gym. 
• Dear Gillian Flynn, Thank you for writing your book, Gone Girl. I read the entire thing today and was hooked. The story was captivating and kept me guessing. I wasn't a fan of the ending but the rest of the book was fabulous.
• Dear horses at the racetrack, I really would like to win some money tomorrow since last time I completely failed. Please cooperate and run fast if I pick you to win. 
• Dear Candy Crush, Why are you so addicting? I spend way too long trying to beat your ridiculous levels. You're fun, but can't you just let me win? 

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! 

-J 

Jeremiah 2:32

"Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number."

Today in my reading I came across this passage and it really spoke to me. As a young woman I had the thought, jewelry is important! The analogy spoke to me and made me realize how many days have passed that I have forgotten about God. 

In my bible there was a devotional about this verse and it talked about using the morning to praise God and thank him for all that he has done for me. I found this interesting since when my alarm appears on my phone it says 'Thank God for today.' I try to start my day centered on God and maintain that as much as possible throughout the day. Instead of trying to take specific time to pray I also say little prayers all throughout the day. For example, today in the lunch room there was a teacher talking about her husband with leukemia. It was impossible for me to simply listen but instead I instantly prayed for her and her husband. I find that if I take a minute to thank God for my blessings in the moment I am so much more aware of Him all around me. 

I love that my faith is growing. I know I still have a long way to go but it makes me feel so much fuller. I am also thankful for the people in my life who I have to talk about my faith with. Those relationships are growing and pushing me to grow as a person. God is great. 

Decisions && Midweek Confessions || 2

I made a big decision today and I feel so good about it. I have been tossing and turning over the options and trying to figure out what was the 'right' decision. I'm still not sure what is exactly right but I know what I feel in my heart and that is what I went with. I also put a lot of prayer into it and I think that helped me to have clarity. Currently I couldn't be happier and am so excited to see what the future holds. :]

Midweek Confessions!

-I was super nervous to join a small group for bible study at church and it was such an amazing decision. In just a couple weeks I already feel so close and connected with this group. I can't believe I was so nervous and waited this long.

-I hate jeans. I immediately put sweat pants on as soon as I get home from school/work. I love being able to be comfortable and always put on sweats so I can sit on the couch with a blanket. If I have to go out again I will complain a lot...then put jeans back on.

-I was going to give myself the day off today (perk of being a sub!) but instead my phone was ringing every 30 minutes this morning and I felt guilty so I got up and took a job. They were obnoxious middle schoolers and I almost regret it.

-I am dying for the sun to come out so I can start sitting in my backyard to tan. I am so white and I don't want to go fake tanning. Please sun, appear!

-I've eaten ice cream in some form every day for the past week. It's my weakness and I don't really feel that bad, but my waistline isn't appreciating it...

-J

Land of the free, because of the brave.

It is so important to remember the meaning behind holidays, especially one so meaningful as Memorial Day. I love being American and the pride that our country has, but it's important to remember that we only are given that luxury because of the people who laid down their lives for us.

Living 15 miles from a military base has made me much more aware of things going on in the world and what a different life people in the military have. I never had to worry about my parents coming home from work at night, but that wasn't the case for some of my friends. Thank you to everyone who served, is serving, and paid the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom.

God Bless America.

Song in my head

I am a music lover. I was in band for 11 years (5th grade straight through college) and even was in a band service fraternity. So, it would be an understatement to say that music had an influence in my life. As a result I feel like I have a constant soundtrack in my head that is impossible to turn off. There are always lyrics scrolling through my mind and I find myself singing to myself when I think none of my students are paying attention. I try to be careful with the type of music that I listen to because I want the thoughts that are in my head to be ones that are positive and upbeat. 

'Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave!'

A couple months ago I challenged myself to try and listen to only Christian music for a month. I didn't really keep track of it but I left my radio tuned to the local Christian station and put my favorite Christian cd (Tricia Brock) in my car. I found that I loved the music and it put me in such a great mood on my way to work! I love being able to praise the Lord every morning and thank him for giving me another day on this great Earth. No matter my mood, there is a song that fits, and I love that. 

I lean not on my understanding, my life is in the hands of the Maker of Heaven 

I give it all to you, Lord, trusting that you'll make something beautiful out of me

I will climb this mountain with my hands wide open.

There is nothing I hold onto.  Nothing I hold onto.  Nothing I hold onto.

This is my favorite song lately and I have had it on repeat since I discovered it. It speaks to me because right now I am trying to figure out some important things in my life and I want to give it all to the Lord. When I feel overwhelmed or worried about something I remember that the Lord is doing something beautiful with me and I need to open my hand and be ready for whatever comes my way. I find so much comfort in knowing that I am not necessarily in control of my destiny, and knowing that someone who loves me more than I could ever know, is. 

What songs are always running in your head?

-J 

Friday Letters || 2

Dear R.I.P.P.E.D, You are the most fun I have had working out in a long time. I enjoy that the class mixes things up and keeps it interesting but why did we have to do like triple the amount of abs today? My legs are already burning, I can't wait, and now I can barely move my stomach. Maybe I'll be thanking you in a few months but right now I'm dying.

Dear Students, I love it when you say 'have a great day' back to me after I tell it to you. I think it's so sweet, especially since I'm a substitute and nobody really likes subs anyways.

Dear Bride-to-be Best Friend, I am beyond excited to go wedding dress shopping tomorrow! I know that you are going to be stunning and I am so thankful to be part of this experience.

Dear Memorial Day Weekend, Please take pity on us and give us some sunshine. I know that we aren't normally given much of it but it would make the weekend so much more enjoyable. There are some fun outside things that I'd love to partake it.

Dear Soldiers who are the reason we have memorial day, Thank you. There aren't enough words to thank you for your service. Thank you to your families, your friends, and for being brave enough to make the decision to lay down your life for our country. God Bless America.

Midweek Confessions. || 1

Here is my first attempt at 'Midweek Confessions.' I'm not sure what I have to confess but I'll give it a try. I'm linking up with E, Myself, and I which is one of my favorite blogs.

-Ever since Subway has started their $3 6-inch special I eat there way to often. It is so good and now I can get a combo for only $5-something...way more affordable than the regular $7-something. At least it's healthy...right?

-I am really happy that Kellie Pickler won Dancing with the Stars last night. I am biased and don't like Zendaya because 1. she is a disney channel star and 2. she is already a dancer! That's totally not fair. Plus Kellie is too adorable with her sweet little accent.

-I hate showering. I always have, I'm just confessing this now since it's my first confession. My best motivation to shower is working out because then I have to shower. If my hair is up with a twist or braid, it's probably second day hair which means I haven't showered. beware. :P

- I love shopping but have such a hard time spending money on myself. I found these awesome designer jeans that are labeled as being $88 at an outlet today for $30. I bought them since I have barely any jeans that I like and it was a steal, but now I am having buyers remorse.

-I am so ready for summer. I feel like teachers should be loving every day of school and not looking forward to summer but I can't wait. Maybe it's because I'm subbing and it isn't the same, but still, I'm waiting for you, summer!

-I don't know how to use commas. I like to type how I speak and so I add all these commas when I would pause, and I think it's probably really awkward to someone who is a stickler about punctuation. Sorry! Don't judge me too harshly, I'm college educated, I swear! (<-- prime example)

That's my attempt at confessions! Happy Wednesday!

Blog Lovin'

I'm following the trend and linking my blog up with Blog Lovin'. I don't have many readers yet but hopefully eventually I'll have some. If you want it, here is the link!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

What he left behind.

This video, What he left behind, has gone viral on facebook and I decided that I had to watch it and see what all the hype was about. 22 minutes later, I was in tears. This is the video of a teenager, Zach, who is terminally ill. It follows him and his journey towards the end. He is always upbeat, positive, and constantly showing love to everyone who is around him.

One of the messages that this menu leaves you with is that his goal was to always strive to make people happy. If you spend your days worrying about how to make other people happy, how to make them have a better day, then you will have a better life. I think that is such an inspiring message. This is a teenager who knows that his life is coming to a close but instead of worrying about himself and making himself happy, he is using his energy to make other people happy. I think that this is how we should all try to live. We might be having a bad day but that doesn't mean that we should inflict that on the people around us, why not try to make sure that other people have good days even if ours aren't perfect? Chances are that by trying to help someone else have a good day, our day will improve.

This video left me wondering about a lot of things, most importantly, how would I live if I knew I was going to die? I hope that I would live a life much like Zach. A life surrounded by loved ones, filled with happiness, and with the piece of mind that everyone knows how much I love them. I wouldn't want my friends and family members to be upset when I leave, but to know that I am in a better place and that I would want them to be happy.

He passed away yesterday, rest in peace, Zach.

Waiting for Sunday.

When I was in college, Sunday used to be the day of the week that we all dreaded. Sure, it meant that we could sit in sweats, watch tv, and not leave the couch all day, but it also meant homework and the impeding doom of Monday. Now I find myself looking forward to Sundays more than almost any other day of the week (Friday's are still tough to beat :P) because I know how much going to church will fill my heart and spirit.

I love my church. I've been to a couple different ones and I feel completely at home and accepted in this one. The people are great and I just joined a small group which is making the experience even better. Sunday mornings are my favorite because I love singing with a room full of people, praising God, and lifting up his name. I sing those songs in the car by myself all the time, but it feels so powerful when there are hundreds of other voices alongside mine. It makes me feel so good. I love when our pastor gets up to speak and God allows his message to speak to me. There are so many days when the message fits exactly what is happening in my life and it makes me feel so much better when I leave knowing exactly what I need to do. God hears my problems, He hears me calling, and sometimes this is His way of giving me answers. It is powerful. God is good.


Time to go straighten my hair and make some breakfast.
What do you love about your church?

-J

Friday's Letters || 1

I decided to join this link up for 'Friday's letters'. I think it's a super cute idea and perfect for a Friday. 

Dear Friday - Thank you for existing. You make me feel so much better about life. I love that you make me automatically happy. Dear Twitter - Thank you for allowing me to cryptically express my feelings in a short 140 characters or less. Dear Students I'm subbing for today - Please be nice, do your work, or at least pretend to do your work so that I can pretend I think you are doing your work. It's really a win, win situation. Dear Sun - Please return, asap. You make my life so much brighter (hahaha...) and I'm ready to wear some summer clothes. Dear God - Thank you for the blessing of this day and please stay with me and help me continue to figure out this thing we called life. Growing up is hard, but I feel so much better knowing that you are by my side and have it all figured out. <3

His Plan.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

How do you know that you are following the plans of the Lord? Recently I have received some news that had been the answer to my prayers. I was overjoyed and full of happiness, thanking God immensely for what he had done in my life. Shortly thereafter, I realized that there were some complications to this news and it wouldn't be as easy and full of joy as I thought.

Initially, I cried. I wondered, why is this so hard, how come I am forced to make this decision? That night happened to be the night for my small group bible study. As we were reading we came across the story of Jereboam and how the Lord told him exactly what to do, and he did the opposite. We started talking about our lives and if we are following the plan that God has laid out for us. It made me stop and think, I know that God has made this happen for a reason and now I need to trust in the rest of his plan. I can't be thankful for one part but then weeping about not knowing the rest. God is all knowing and I need to trust in that and believe that he will make the future fall into place. I am turning my heart to the Lord and really going to pray hard this week. I'm praying for clarity, patience, and an open heart to accept what he has waiting or me. 

What are you praying for this week? 

friendship.

This weekend marked one year since I graduated and moved away from college. I love looking back and seeing how my life and changed and one area that is particularly interesting is my friendships. For the most part things have happened pretty much how I predicted. I knew the people who I was going to stay close with and thankfully, that has happened. What has surprised me a little are the people who I wasn't really friends with who somehow I became really good friends with in the year that I have been away.

Friends all have different roles in life. There are the fun friends, serious friends, ones that you chat with about nothing in particular, ones you have deep conversations with, etc. I think it's important to have a mix of all these people and I value how different friendships can be. As I grow up I realize that I really crave people who know how to deal with my feelings and be supportive. I've always felt like the friend that people can rely on to vent, get advice, complain to, but then sometimes I feel like I can't always do that back. Some people are so caught up in their own issues that they forget to even ask how you are doing, and those are the friends that I see slowly slipping from my life. It's not that I think the worth revolves around me, but shouldn't my friends at least care enough to ask how I'm doing if they just spent an hour talking about themselves? It might sound selfish but I don't think it's too much to ask. I also find myself attracted to more positive people. I'm all about being happy and looking at the bright side. I know not everyone is able to do that but I think that it makes my life so much better, and surrounding myself with people who have a similar outlook on life really brings me up.

This past weekend I got to see a few of my close friends and it made me super thankful for the friendships that have (so far) lasted the test of distance and time. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.

Friendship is a gift, cherish it.

Where do I go?

I mentioned in my intro that I am currently working as a substitute teacher. While this is really easy and simple, I find that it isn't very rewarding. I really miss being in the same classroom every day and having those relationships with my students. I had the best student teaching experience and I miss it a lot. I see some of the kids when I'm subbing but obviously it's not the same.

As I begin this job hunt I have been praying a lot for God to give me direction in my search. I am torn between wanting to stay at home and find a job that is close and local or moving about four hours away to where my boyfriend lives. Obviously I want to be closer to my boyfriend but I also feel like I have some very promising opportunities over here. He recently started a new job that he loves and so I feel bad asking him to leave that. It is quite the dilemma. I know that there are jobs that won't come available for a couple more weeks so I need to be patient but that it not one of my strong suits. I keep reminding myself that having faith means also having faith in God's timing and that is what I'm holding on to at the moment.

If I had a dollar for how many times people asked, 'hows the job hunt?' I think I would be rich and I could just give up the hunt. It is the topic of conversation everywhere I go. Talk about pressure...

- J

Inspiration.

I've been thinking about making a blog for a long time and I wasn't sure when I was going to do it. Finally I thought, there is no time like the present, so here it is.

When it came to thinking of a name I decided that I would pick a lyric from a song that I liked since music is such a great way to express yourself. I found a song that I have been listening to and googled the lyrics. As I read through it I picked the line that I thought really expresses me. I am looking for joy in all areas of my life and trying to focus on joy. This title reminds me that even though not all of the times in life are perfect, no matter what in the morning there is always joy.

You stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes

There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage

I don't have to be afraid

Because I know that You love me

Your love never fails

I have so much to be thankful for and I never want to forget that. His love never fails.

- J

New to this.

Hello,
Thanks for finding my blog, i'm excited to have you! :) I have always been someone who really enjoys reading blogs and I thought I should try writing for myself. I really like the blogging 'community' and it seems like a fun thing to get into.

I guess you might want to know who I am, my name is Jessica! I am 23 and graduated from college about a year ago. Right now I am working as a substitute teacher and looking for a full time job for the fall. I'm not married, or engaged, but in a pretty serious relationship and hopefully that is in our future. :)

For about the past year or so I have been on a journey to build my faith and figure it all out. I have joined and amazing church and recently joined a small group. I know that my faith is something that I will be writing about quite often because I am always interested in hearing prospectives and getting advice.

- J