Wake On Up From Your Slumber

Let me start off by exclaiming MY LIFE IS FANTASTIC!!!! Whew, now that that's out of my system..ahem. I'm not sure if I've always done this, but I try to title my blogs by a song. It's most often the song I'm currently listening to when it comes time to post a title. Tonight, I was listening to "Slumber" by Needtobreathe. I've never really listened to the words until today on my drive back to the glorious ole Ark City. It's meaning was very important to me. The song goes, "Days they force you back under those covers. Lazy mornings they multiply. But glory's waiting outside your window, so wake on up from your slumber and open up your eyes. Tongues are violent, personal and focused. Tough to beat with your steady mind. But hearts are stronger after broken, so wake on up from your slumber, and open up your eyes. All these victims stand in line for the crumbs that fall from the table, just enough to get by. All the while your invitation, "Wake on up from your slumber, come on open up your eyes"." This little bit of lyrics says a lot! But it reminds me that my life is wonderful just the way it is. I wouldn't change a thing, I am blessed. :) There are many, many other people out there that are struggling a whole lot more than I could even imagine. And instead of just recognizing this, we are being called to help those individuals who are less fortunate. Simply smiling and saying "Good morning" to that stranger you pass on the sidewalk can turn their bad day around.

My family and I recently traveled to Arizona for the Thanksgiving holiday. That place was so neat in November. It blew my mind that I was able to go swimming outside a night (ina non-heated pool). The climate is absolutely beautiful there!! I didn't have internet all week so instead of stress about getting all my school work completed, I waste time updating my blog..that's alright. I'm used to this way of life (still wouldn't change a thing!!).

I apologize if this was a little scattered about. You just got a peek inside of my head! :)

Love you all.
-Jess

Don't Stop Dancing

Here goes my first college blog. I feel like I'm not going to live up to my own expectation for it, though. Forgive me for that later. I've had a great time here so far. I've learned a lot about myself, mainly that I don't know anything about this crazy world we all live in. But also more simply, about who I am. More so what I want. What's kind of sad is I've discovered what I do or don't want in other people. I do my best to not be judgemental. To back myself up, there are certain people I have known for quite some time and I know that I want absolutely nothing to do with them, and others that I've had bad experiences with that I'm perfectly okay with staying in contact with them. It's nice to know that this life is MY journey and I can make it what I choose. On another note, I am well aware that I have God on my side. He is the "tourist guide" and I'm just the traveler on this journey of mine. As stubborn as I am, I still find this comforting. Knowing that something is as powerful as He is helps me get through my day to day life. As a result of my confidence in the Lord, I put this picture/sign up in the window of my dorm room. I'm on the ground floor, so many people walk by and [hopefully] think about it!

This is pretty much saying that we don't control our lives. We are ultimately filled with unhappiness if we attempt to control our lives. At least that's what I've discovered this past summer. We aren't here to force things to happen for us. Christ is the only one who really knows what we need and what makes us wholesome.

Recently. a close friend of mine shared a quote with me for a bit of relationship advice, "Run...just run towards Christ and live for Him, don't look in any other direction, and when the time is right and you feel strong and whole, glance to the side and see who is running next to you." I'm really going to take this to heart. I like to appear strong and independent, but that's not always the case. I am very vulnerable. I set myself up for it. I like to fall in love..now it's going to be falling in love with Jesus Christ, which is new for me, but an adventure I'd like to take up. Also, He will help keep me on track with work and school- Mom would be proud so I consider it a win-win situation for all. <3

Remember This Feelin'

Although I've been back from Nashville for quite some time, I'm still loving every minute of my life right now. I feel like everything is [FINALLY] coming together and I couldn't be more pleased!! Yesterday I said to myself, "I wish I were back in Nashville right now.." and it was completely out of nowhere. Now I really know how much I miss it..but there's always next year!! :)) I can't wait. We already decided on Illinois! What a party.

Two nights ago, Sarah had all the girls together for a girls' night. It was definitely needed, for I was still having fun at 11:00 pm (this is a big deal for me- I like my sleep!). I know it's summer, but that 'down time' was exactly what we all needed!!

We were trying to jump!!

Me, Sarah and Adriann

<3

I also found out some  G R E A T  news!! I officially have a dorm room for this coming Fall semester. I move in the 16th and I'm totally stoked! Mom took a day of vacation for me so she can help :) Hopefully I'll get contact information from the school so I can meet my roommate!! But I'm no longer holding my breath over this ordeal. I can physically tell I'm relieved- such an amazing feeling!

As a family, we're working on moving into our new farm house. Definitely NOT new..just new to us :) We've owned the house since February and there was a lot of fixing up to do. Our current house goes on the market on Monday. Although I will very rarely be there because of college, I'm excited to be back out in the country. We belong out there :] It really does feel like home <3

Time to finish cleaning (aka nap time!) and get my sister. You'll never guess what we're going to do.

Yeah..pool time :)

That Changes Everything

Catholic Heart Work Camp [CHWC] was such an awesome experience, even though it was the second time around! I had an unbelieveably great time and was very sad to leave my new friends behind..hopefully I will continue to stay in touch with them.

The gang :]

 Yes, camp is supposed to be full of learning Christ and about our religion, but we like to make it as fun as possible. Like the bus ride..

Jake & I

Having fun or making fun?

Yes, he drove us everywhere.

There were plenty of prayers said for this man :)

From Mulvane to Kentucky for breakfast, we finally made it to Nashville!! Day One:

Rooftop picture ;)

..You could say we had a blast.

As for now, I'm going to Dillion's to Redbox. My new hobby :)

No Longer Counting Days

Tomorrow is the big day, NASHVILLE! I cannot  possibly wait another day, so good thing it's tomorrow :) My bffff Liam left yesterday for a three week vacation in Montana. I started missing him yesterday :P But he's having a blast so I'm happy for him. This morning was breakfast Friday at Coach's house!! I skipped work and went there instead, brought Meghan some pancakes since she was stuck in driver's ed, and then spent some much needed time with my grandma in Wichita. We went to Panera Bread for lunch and I'm STILL full- very delicious. As for now, I'm about to leave on a planking adventure..pictures soon to come! <3

Smoke or Steam?

The past week has been really (enter big word for inspiring here). I feel like I have discovered so many new things about myself. As simple as who I want to have conversations with in my spare time to what I'd like to get out of the rest of my life. It's really a blessing to be where I am; surrounded by family and friends, two great jobs that are very rewarding, and last but not least, Christ and my faith as a whole. I find myself being brought to tears by just how beautiful His love is for me..it's the best thing I've ever felt. Speaking of which, I leave for Nashville in one week! I am definitely looking forward to it, words can't begin to explain. This Mission Trip is going to be SO rewarding, and now I know exactly what I'm getting myself into, unlike last year. Helping out in the ways we are able to really puts into perspective what I have in this world, I am very blessed with my life and I will come back WELL aware of this.

Back to this past week, I had a great time at cooking with all the little kids, but especially Gabe. Whoever said "you shouldn't have favorites" wasn't me and had never met him. :) I couldn't ask for a better job! (yet)

Tay, James, Chris and I got to go to the drive in the other night- SUCH a blast! Honestly, the car ride was my favorite part as it always seems to be! I really like the bonding time cars rides give us! Take a look..

All of us in the car!!

#1 picture taken!

They said they went to the bathroom..definitely got some chew :P

I believe I've gotten the hang of this whole blog thing- until Taylor shows me some cool new thing to do that I never knew existed. (I'm counting on you Tay!!) Wish me luck to get throught this week, for I have a H U G E reward awaiting me at the end! :)

What A Pain!

I have finally mastered the making of a blog. What a stressful evening :) But I must say it was well worth my time. I am really going to enjoy getting a break from the real world to take time and update this blog! I promise it will be more fun once I play around enough and teach myself to upload pictures!! More to come.. <3