Happy

Rob came to visit this weekend, and we had a really good time. Friday night, we had dinner with Julie & Gary- friends who are getting ready to head to the mission field in a couple of weeks (Julie was the first one to suggest that Rob & I should get together a few years ago). Saturday we went to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in the morning (beautiful and very peaceful... maybe my new favorite place in B'ham), and to Megan & Bret's wedding that afternoon (we went on our first double date with them back in April!). And Sunday we went to church at Shades Mountain- where half the youth group (or so it seemed) had been recruited by Rob to go to Union... he was the most popular visitor there!
Megan was a beautiful bride, and by far, the calmest one I've ever seen!! When I went in to see her before the wedding, there was no rocking, no pacing, no tears- she was just ready to become Mrs. Bret Golson! I was honored to go in and pray with Megan Smith one last time before her name changed. I love you, girl, no matter what your name is!! AND- I caught my first ever wedding bouquet at the reception! I have to be honest, I wasn't looking to catch it, and even placed myself behind a little girl thinking she would grab it for sure, but somehow it ended up in my hand. It was fun, though, and I've been enjoying the pretty pink roses! Everyone should have fresh flowers in their home- they make everything a little better, and who doesn't smile when they get flowers? Bring flowers to someone tomorrow!!
My old roommate Erin came to visit and go to the wedding too. We had a great time catching up Saturday night in the dark (my electricity was out for about 15 hours). My heart was encouraged after our talk, maybe not by the words that were exchanged, but more by God reminding me of some simple truths that came up while we were talking. I was reminded of the huge responsibility that I have as a college minister; and the awesome joy that comes with leading them closer to the Lord. It's not about me.
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13: 5-6

I'm turning into a college student!!!

Look out.... I joined myspace AND facebook-- all in the same week!!! I'm hoping this will get me some big-time cool points at the BCM!

www.myspace.com/baristabyday

Life is full of Surprises

It was my turn to drive up to see Rob this weekend, so I decided to go a day early and surprise him. I had to make some phone calls and do a little detective work to track him down once I got to Jackson, but I managed to get to Union just as Rob was walking out to his car. He was calling me on the phone when he looked up and saw me in the parking lot... it was fun watching him!
We had kind of a low-key weekend, which was just what we both needed. We went to a baseball game for a little while Friday night (we didn't stay because it was HOT as Hades!), ran some errands and did a little yard work, played a game, watched a movie... It was great just to relax!
The baseball game was the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx vs. the Mongomery Biscuits. Yup- the biscuits! There's a fierce opponent for you! Tough teams or not, it was fun to go out to the game for a while.
Sunday evenings are always the worst part of the weekend. It's not the drive, but the goodbye that always stinks.
And today was Monday again; back to work... it's a good thing I love my job!

The coolest day in Birmingham- so far

Yesterday was definitely unique, and by far, the coolest day I've had since I moved to Birmingham two months ago!
I went to the Gardens at Park Place in downtown Birmingham with two friends from work, Alyssa & Doherty. The garden was started by Jones Valley Urban Farms on a full city block, and will soon have small plots available for sale or lease where local people can plant and take care of their own gardens. Anyway, the whole block was planted with sunflowers and yesterday the public was invited to a block party in the garden. It was a free event, complete with fresh lemonade, hay rides, and pick-your-own sunflowers! Alyssa, Doherty, and I wandered through the field of sunflowers for about an hour and each collected a big bouquet of flowers.
It was so much fun!!
After our adventure at the farm, we went to eat at Jim & Nicks, a local bar-b-que joint, in Southside. YUM!! Then we came back to my apartment and just hung out and talked, which sounds pretty uneventful, but it was a good time of encouragement. We decided that we definitely need to find more cool, free things like this to do in Birmingham!

I'd like you to meet Rob...

If you're reading this blog, there's a really good chance you're an important person in my life (because my stuff isn't interesting enough for random strangers to bother), and I want everyone in my life to know someone who has recently become extra special to me. This is Rob. =) He's thoughtful, very funny, ambitious, missions-minded, and extremely kind-hearted.
We met four years ago when we were both living in Europe (he was in Romania while I was in the Czech Republic). Since we both worked for the IMB, we met several times at different meetings & events. Even back then, I knew he was an incredible guy, but I never thought we'd ever be in the same place at the same time, so I didn't let myself spend much time thinking about "us". After we both came back to the US, we emailed every few months or so and kept in touch off & on.
Then in December, Rob sent me an instant message on the computer, and, in the few minutes we chatted that day, realized that it had been months since we'd last talked. We exchanged phone numbers, "and so it all began"... (The first time we talked on the phone, my roommate Erin came in and demanded to know who I was talking to as soon as I hung up- "You're smiling like a fool- that was a guy, wasn't it?!") I haven't stopped smiling since then!
The first time we got together, it had been three years since we'd been face-to-face. It was great, and we decided that weekend that we definitely wanted to continue seeing each other! He lives in Jackson, TN, so that doesn't happen nearly as often as I'd like, but it gives me something to look forward to on weekends. (and it's a lot easier now that I'm three hours closer!)
So there's the cliff notes edition of "Rob & Jess". He's amazing, and I think the world of him (in case you haven't noticed!) When I asked him if there was anything he wanted me to say here, he said I could let you all know that he eats green beans "socially" but he doesn't really like them, so please don't serve them if we come for dinner!
** This picture was taken this past weekend at Rob's (now former) roommate's wedding... congrats Ben & Tabitha!

Sweet Home Alabama

Southern accents are not all the same. Alabamians do not sound the same as Georgians, and I've had to remind myself several times- "I live in Alabama now." I'm still getting used to saying that. Not that it's bad! Just different.
I'm finally starting to settle in. I've unpacked all the boxes (and put almost everything away). I still need to find a couch, and I'm pretty sure that will help my apartment feel more like a home. It's small and cozy, though, and I really like where I'm living. It's mostly fun finding my way around a new city... a little lonely sometimes, but I'm sure that will change soon. Work has been good so far; I'm filling in temporarily at a different Starbucks until my new store opens. And I'm slowly meeting the students from the BCM, and they're all great. It's fun!
Relocating to Birmingham was definitely a good move; I'm thankful that God opened this door. I'm in a cool new town, closer to my family, closer to Rob... (for those of you thinking, "who is Rob?!?!"- he deserves his own blog introduction, and I promise that one will be next after I get a few new pictures this weekend!) Life is good.

T minus 3 and counting...

It's about "that" time again... the boxes are packed, tomorrow is my last day of work, the goodbyes have started... must be time to move! Takeoff-- this Friday.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace...
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
I always feel like I should be used to moving, that it should be easy, but it never is. Sure, I'm getting better at packing every time, but I'm still not good at goodbyes. I tried to maintain a safe distance here, and not let myself get too attached. Ha! I, the ultimate social butterfly, not get attached? Mission- impossible! I'm leaving behind some incredible people, and can only pray that you are better off because we briefly walked this road of life together. I'm going to miss you!!
I'm excited about the road ahead too! I am moving into a cute little apartment in the Mountain Brook area of Birmingham (since this is a public domain, I'm not putting my new address here- contact me if you want it!). I am looking forward to working at a brand new Starbucks from the initial set-up and grand opening. And I can't wait to get involved with the ministry at UAB! I'm anxious to start meeting with students and just "do life" with them. It's going to be a fun, exciting ride!

Another big change

Drumroll please..........
I got a job!! I actually knew about this a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn't until yesterday that I finally got all the details worked out and "went public" with the news.
I'm moving again-- this time to Birmingham, AL. I'll be going on staff with the BCM at the University of Alabama- Birmingham. I'm SO excited that God finally brought this about, and I'm looking forward to see all that He is going to do. This transition has been in the making for a while (see entry "Sign from God?", Nov 2005) and I'm thrilled that it's finally come full circle. It's going to be a fun job- I'll get to mentor the girls who are involved with the ministry, lead Bible studies, and encourage them to see God's bigger picture by going on international missions trips. I can't wait to get started!
I'm also going to keep working part-time at Starbucks. In Birmingham, I'll have the neat opportunity to be part of a "Star Team" and start working in a brand new store before it opens. By doing this, I will get be in on the initial store set-up and training of new workers.
Things are changing fast! I'm hoping to find an apartment and move mid-May so that I'll have a month with the Star Team before the new store's grand opening. I never thought I'd be in Atlanta this long, and now I can't believe that I'm leaving so soon! It's exciting!!
God has been so real lately. I've seen Him at work in every area of my life and the world around me... He is creative... He is kind... He is faithful... He is good.
There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; There is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

Life ain't nothin but a funny, funny riddle...

Thank God I'm a city girl! But going to the country is fun too! I went to Monroe, LA, this weekend and surprised my family at my grandmother's house. It was SO great to see everyone, and a ton of fun to see the shocked looks on their faces when I got there. (My mom & aunt were the only ones who knew I was coming). Everyone was working outside when I got there, spreading dirt around to level out the yard. I visited inside with Mom & Granny for a little while before I volunteered to drive the tractor. There was just something about sitting on a John Deere that made me want to sing a little John Denver! (too bad I only knew two lines!!)
Other exciting news... I went to Birmingham a couple of weeks ago to meet with the BCM director at UAB. We had a great chat, and I'm going back next Wednesday to meet the Alabama state collegiate ministries director. I'm really excited about what God might be doing in this situation. Please pray with me about this meeting at 10:00 on the 15th... Tomorrow is my last day of shift supervisor training at work. And Thursday will be my first official shift in charge- scary! The new responsibilities are a little overwhelming, but it's an exciting new challenge that I'm looking forward to... A final thought for today-- Do you not know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 1 corinthians 9:24

The Verdict

I guess I need to sit here for a few minutes and tell ya'll what I decided about Colorado. After much consideration and prayer, I felt it was best not to move to CO right now. While I had a great time seeing the state and all the work going on out there, I never felt a stirring of the Holy Spirit that that was the place for me. I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed, but I also have peace that this is the right decision right now.
Which means I'm back in Atlanta, hanging out at Starbucks a little while longer. I'm still looking for the place of ministry God has prepared for me. (So if any of you hears of an opening in college ministry- let me know!) It's hard to wait, but I know that God is good, and He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it.

Late night ramblings from 38,000 feet

I’m writing this from 38,669 feet in the air, somewhere over Missouri (according to the little map on the screen). So many thoughts are flying through my head, about as fast as this plane is traveling. It’s been a fantastic weekend! I got to see a lot of new things and new places, and I met some amazing new friends who are working diligently to reach college students all over Colorado.
At first, I thought it would be difficult to process and sort out all that I’ve taken in the past five days. I’ve visited eight campuses in five cities- and there were aspects that I liked, and some that I didn’t, of all of them. I asked a lot of questions, and I still don’t have all the answers.
I guess, ultimately, I don’t want the responsibility of making the decision whether or not I should move to Colorado. I don’t want to organize the past few days and make a fact-based decision. I know that I could join any of the teams I met with and be an asset to their ministry. I don’t think it’s a question of what I CAN do, or even what I WANT to do. I want God to make it perfectly, crystal clear. Sometimes He makes it that easy; other times, not so much. I’m afraid of Him leaving this one up to me. Is it too bold to ask God for a black & white answer? Because I don’t just want to know if I should move to Colorado, but also to which city & which campus. I’m willing to put it all out there.
So now I’m feeling like maybe the whole “processing” procedure shouldn’t be that hard at all. (now 38,748- about to cross the Mississippi river from Arkansas to Tennessee) I mean, I’m thankful for the opportunity to see all the options, and those experiences will help me pray more specifically for the work that’s developing on each campus, but maybe I don’t have to sort out anything.
I don’t often trust my own discernment. I don’t want to throw out a fleece like my good friend Gideon (Judges 6), but we think a lot alike. “If I have found favor in your eyes, God, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.” (6:17)
Last summer in Kenya, I received a clear object lesson. God promises that His Word will be a light unto our path (not a floodlight into the future, like I often look for). Psalm 119:105. Ok, so Kenya…. There were thorny Acacia trees all over the place, and I was paranoid that I was going to run into one of the branches and stab myself in the forehead. I often wished that I had two flashlights, one for my feet, and one to scan up ahead. But I only had one. I was so nervous about the random trees that I usually ignored the path my feet were on and tried to see what was coming, which resulted in me tripping over a loose rock and gashing open my toe. The lesson: quit worrying about what’s ahead, and pay attention to where you are.
The longer I sit here, the more I think I need to go back to Atlanta, and just pray and wait. Not to process, but to be still, and know that He is God and His name will be exalted among the nations (Psalm 46:10).
I’ve now rambled across five states (33,511 feet) and I’m not entirely sure this will make sense to anyone but me. But here it is.

Colorado is COLD!!!

So I've been in Colorado since Thursday night, and the theme of the trip so far has been "Cold Feet" (and I'm not talking about my nerves!). I sat in one of the retreat sessions yesterday, and never took off my coat OR my mittens! And that was even with thermals under my jeans, 2 undershirts, and 2 pairs of socks!!! Now, there were students running around in t-shirts and flip flops, so maybe it was just me. But I doubt it!!
I've toured around Denver and Colorado Springs so far, and I'm in Boulder now. I've seen Mile-High Stadium, the Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy and Chapel, Pikes Peak, and the Flat Irons, and Canadian geese, a prairie dog, and a wolf. It's been a lot of fun, in spite of the harassment I got yesterday from the guys who work in Colorado Springs. (They were driving me around town and said something about Pikes Peak, and I innocently asked, "Which one is that?" Apparently they thought it was obviously the biggest mountain, but they didn't understand that they're all enormous to me!)
Even though it's winter and everything is pretty much brown, it's all beautiful. The landscape is so much different from what I'm used to! The mountains have served as a visual reminder that God is so huge, and I am so small. As I've been praying about whether or not this is where God wants me to serve, I've been overcome by the fact that the same God who created the giant mountains loves me enough to be concerned with the details of my life.

What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with
Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations. psalm 104:24 (the message)

Please pray with me that God would reveal clearly if this is where He wants me to serve, or if I should continue to wait on Him.

What really matters

I was planning to write an update tonight, and say that I got a cortisone shot in my foot Thursday, and it's still a little swollen, but I think it's going to be fine. It's sore, but it's fine.
And then I got an email from my friend, my sister-in-Christ, Vesta (who also happens to be my former supervisor from our Czech days). Two years ago, two brain tumors were removed from her body. This past week, an MRI revealed two more, and another that had started out small and non-threatening had doubled in size in a year's time. My foot doesn't hurt that much anymore.
I'm filled with questions that no one can answer. But as I talked to my friend Jerod tonight, he reminded me that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called by Him (that was before I read Vesta's email). No matter what happens to our physical bodies, God is working in our lives, and that is good. Thanks for the encouraging reminders Jerod- press on.
HE IS the answer... every time... no matter what.
Please pray for Vesta and Mark, for strength to continue to demonstrate God's love and grace as they face whatever the next few days hold. Pray that God will be glorified, and His name made known among the nations.

"Lead-Foot"

Yes, I do have a tendancy to drive fast, but that's not why I was given a new nickname this week. I've been having trouble with my foot (in a physical sense) for a few months, so I finally went to see an orthopedic doctor last week. She sent me for an MRI to see if I had a stress fracture, but the MRI showed a surprise instead! The film showed that I have a small piece of metal imbedded in the bottom of my foot- directly under the joint where I've been having pain. You're probably thinking, "So how in the world did you get metal in your foot? When did this happen?" I have no idea, and I have no idea. Yeah, it's all pretty bizarre (I know that much). I still don't know if there enough of a risk there to require removing the metal, but I'll let you know what happens!
Rhonda, you get the credit for my literal new name, even if you did abandon me to figure out the stationary bikes on my own while you keep trucking along on the ellipticals! Thanks for being my work-out buddy!

Just for Fun

Ok, I know this is old, but it's still funny. Turn up your volume!

Watch and Laugh

New Beginnings for a New Year

Just wanted to let you know what's been going on in my world, and ask you to keep praying. I talked to Max Barnett yesterday (of Colorado Collegiate Ministries) and he asked me to come to Colorado Springs for their statewide retreat Feb 3-5. I'll either go early or stay late to meet with some of the directors of the BCMs and check out the campuses in Colorado Springs and Denver.
I'm really excited about this new development, and I have total peace from the Lord about going in this direction. It's not at all what I was expecting, but I'm anxious to see how God's going to work it all out.
I love My Utmost for His Highest, and God has been speaking plenty of truth through Oswald lately. Two things that stood out to me last week were "You do not know what you are going to do; the only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing" and "God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is." (if you have the book, it was Jan 2) I'm reminded that I don't have to know everything ahead of time. God is still God, and will continue to be no matter where I go and what I do.
I'm so amazed that God, the creator of the universe, loves me enough to be concerned with the details of my life, and is gracious enough to continue showing me Who He is in order to work those details out.
Thanks for continuing to pray with me about this!! I'll keep you posted!

I never really liked peaches that much

I cannot believe myself. I'm sitting here in the recliner watching the Peach Bowl on ESPN. Up until a couple of hours ago, I was holding a ticket to this game- which is being played right here in Atlanta! Granted, I'm wearing thermals, fleece pajama pants, and a sweatshirt, cuddled up to a box of Kleenex under a blanket and sipping on OJ, and I couldn't be doing any of these things if I was actually at the game. I definitely would rather be at the Georgia Dome.
Toby, you're an angel in the form of a Tiger-- thanks for sending me the ticket!! I just wish I could have used it!
I brought the ticket to a local sports bar and gave it to the girl at the hostess stand- my New Years gift to one of her friends, or some random fan that was crazy enough to take the ticket and go (I finally gave it up about 2 hours before kickoff!) I hope someone is down there having a good time cheering for LSU.
It stinks to be sick. And it stinks to know that I have to be at work at 5am tomorrow. Most of all, though, it stinks to be a grown up, who let those things influence her into staying home tonight. But the game goes on... Geaux tigers!

You can call me "Master Jess"

Since there's no fancy title to come with my degree, and I KNOW I'll never go for a PhD and become "doctor," I'll settle for being "master"! Hehehe!!!
Graduation was so much fun. I loved being back in Fort Worth, back at Deer Creek, and back among friends. The weekend was better than I could have imagined. It was fun hanging out with so many people who I've been missing.
For now, I'm back in Atlanta at Starbucks while I pray about what God has for me next...

Break out the Pomp & Circumstance

I am proud to announce my graduation from

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary!

During commencement exercises this Friday, December 9,

I will officially receive my

Master of Arts in Missiology.

I would like to thank the academy for this incredible honor.... haha, no- but seriously.

I'm thankful for my parents and my sisters, and my entire family, for their unending support, love, and encouragement. You have graciously stood behind me, no matter how crazy you thought I was, and loved me when you didn't understand me. You're amazing- and I love you so much!

I'm grateful for my seminary friends and classmates, for bringing smiles in the midst of stress. I'm so glad that God allowed me to journey through the past 2.5 years with such fun people.

I'm thankful for my friends who were not in seminary, for reminding me of life "outside the bubble". Thanks for keeping me real!

I thank God for everyone who has prayed for me, carrying me through seminary and over two continents. I'm pretty sure I couldn't have done it without you.

I'm thankful for professors who challenged me, taught me, encouraged me, frustrated me, streched me, and empowered me. I am stronger and more ready to face the world thanks to you.

Thank you God for tears to make the laughter even sweeter, struggles to make the accomplishments more victorious, and for Jesus, who gives meaning to it all.

Choked

So, that just about describes my Tigers. I went to the SEC Championship game last night- sad stuff! (Thanks for the ticket, Kevin!) It was horrible to watch; they didn't bring their A-game, that's for sure. I still had a great time, but it definitely would have been better if LSU had won. I guess one good result is that they're coming back to Atlanta to play in the Peach Bowl...
This past week started off bad, but it turned around. My computer crashed last weekend, but I was able to get my files recovered and turn in all my work for school- and it's done! What a relief to have everything turned in, and know that I won't have to write another paper for a grade. It's a great feeling!