Adding to my resume'...

I've got a few new skills to list- soot/smoke removal and demolition specialist! I got to work with Rob this weekend on a couple of different jobs, and see just how intense ServPro really is!! Instead of a Friday night date, we worked together in the bathroom of a house that caught fire. Rob cut out the drywall while I ripped up the floor. He was hesitant to let me in the house at all- I had to remind him not to think of me as a delicate flower but as a tough crew member, ready to work! It was actually a little fun and somewhat therapeutic. In that house, I also helped tear down the living room walls and pulled out insulation. Saturday and Sunday I assisted on some moisture checks of a flooded house, moved about 70 boxes of stuff that was pulled from a smoked out storage unit, and helped clean some of the smokey items.
It was good for me to see what all Rob does on a daily basis. I learned that ServPro is about a lot more than extracting water and cleaning carpets. Now knowing what kinds of things he encounters and deals with, I'll probably worry about him a lot more, but it's also got me praying for him even more too. It wasn't exactly what I would call a relaxing, restful weekend. I got to spend time with Rob, though, and that's always good! (We did go on a date Saturday night... dinner at The Acorn in Nashville's West End-- wow!!!)
Though it may be a short week, I'll be busy in a crazy way... It's ok. I love my students at UAB, so I don't mind the chaos too much! Happy Monday everyone!

Happy 2007!!!

Welcome to another new year! I can't believe it's already 2007... ten years since I graduated high school (yikes!) Man, I feel old! The holidays were great, but I'm actually a little happy that they're over and life is moving on now... on with the show!
A few years ago, a friend shared with me her New Years tradtion- rather than make a list of resolutions, she makes a list of things she's thankful for. I've done lists of 100, but for the sake of time & space, I think I'll just do 27, to celebrate 2007... What things from 2006 are you thankful for?

1. Robert Moore Dixon- the best thing that happened to me in 2006
2. My family- they've put up with me for 27 years
3. Good health- my body isn't perfect, but I'm alive and thankful to be walking around
4. Jesus- no explanation needed
5. My ministry at UAB- I love my job!
6. My girls at UAB
7. My job at Starbucks- health insurance is valuable
8. Mexican food
9. I didn't have to go to school in 2006- and I'll always have two degrees
10. A nice, safe apartment to live in
11. Omar, my reliable car
12. Courtney and Shannon- my friends who've stayed close since college
13. Julie, Lorie, Tracy, Margo, and Amy- my friends who've stayed close since Prague
14. Carrie, Kari, Megan, Erin, and all the girls I'm blessed to call my friends
15. Technology- cell phones & email that allow me to stay in touch with my friends
16. Sunshine in December- or any day for that matter!
17. Flip flops
18. Freedom to read my Bible and tell people about it, whenever and wherever I want
19. Music- singing in my car makes me happy
20. New friends I've added to my life in the past year
21. Clearwater Community Church (Birmingham) and Grace Community Church (Nashville)
22. LSU- my alma mater, my launch pad, and my favorite football team
23. Pink- anything and everything
24. Photographs of friends & family whose memories make me smile
25. Blankets
26. Hope of good things to come in 2007
27. Promise of better things beyond this lifetime

(*This list was completely spontaneous, and not necessarily in any particular order)

Sometimes wishes come true!

Well, the verdict is in... I get to start "weaning" myself of the boot and replace it with a NEW New Balance running shoe a couple of hours each day, building up to being boot-free by next week! Two shoes for Christmas... Yay!!!

Other things on my Christmas list...
1. a white Christmas
2. world peace
3. Jesus Christ, the whole point of Christmas, to be known by all peoples

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:11

Merry Christmas!

Broke down

Yesterday was "one of those days"... First, I found out my foot was broken, and then my car's brakes! I was on the verge of tears more than once- not a great Monday.

So, I told you a few weeks ago about running the Race for the Cure. I didn't feel like it was important to tell you at the time that my foot was killing me the whole time. I've been having issues with my right foot for a while, but I haven't exactly been dilligent about following up with doctors, so I've just been dealing with it. After the race, I decided to try another doc and get to the bottom of the problem. It turns out I have a stress fracture in my fourth metatarsal. They shot my foot full of cortisone told me I'd get to wear a lovely black boot for 5-8 weeks. Fun times!! It's more of an inconvenience than pain. Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is my right shoe back!

Fall is Here!

I love fall! I usually say that summer is my favorite season, but there's just something about the smell of fall that can't be mimicked. The air is cooler, and everything smells good & crisp. Wierd? Maybe, but I'm ok with that! (What can I say, smells trigger lots of memories for me!) Other fall favorites-- college football, boots, fires, scarfs...
I also have to say that I'm living in a beautiful part of the country. There aren't all the hills with different colors of trees in Louisiana or Texas! I've been spending a lot of time in Nashville lately, and Tennessee is a very pretty state, especially this time of year. The three hour drive between Birmingham and Nashville has actually been pretty nice... I've had some great time in the car praising God for His incredible creation! (I also had a fun trip to Knoxville a few weekends ago- got to see some great football between the Vols and my Tigers! I hated for Rob that his team lost that weekend, but I love seeing LSU win... Geaux tigers!!!) Anyway, all that to say, Tennessee and Alabama are good places to visit in fall, and I highly recommend it if you have the chance. I know a great place to stay in Birmingham! (wink, wink).

Big Time Catching Up

Ok, now you all know- I'm a horrible blogger! (as if I had to tell you that!) I honestly didn't realize until just now that it's been a whole month since my last real post... I know "I'm really busy" is a lame excuse, but really- I am!!! Here is the Cliff Notes version of what's been going on with me. Feel free to ask for more details on anything...

UAB HOMECOMING

I went to my first (and only, thus far) UAB football game on Homecoming weekend. I was pretty impressed by their activities throughout the week- decent parade, good bonfire/ pep rally, tailgating. Now, the students shocked me when they said the tailgate party started THREE hours before kickoff... only three?? That stuff starts on Friday night in Baton Rouge! But this is Birmingham, and it was still fun- Just on a different level from what I'm used to. And we beat Troy... GO BLAZERS! (The picture is of me & Teresa at the game)

RACE FOR THE CURE
I ran in my first 5K race a couple of weeks ago- the Birmingham Race for the Cure. Yup, you read right-- I ran/jogged the WHOLE way!! It wasn't a competetive speed by any means, but I beat my goal time by 4 minutes, and that was pretty exciting! I have to say- that's an amazing event that the Susan G. Komen Foundation puts on. Thousands of people out there rallying around a good cause- and everything was PINK! Can it get much better?!?! I was inspired by all the survivors walking around in special pink t-shirts, and as I thought and prayed for women with breast cancer along the route, I found the motivation to keep running. My friend Doherty ran the whole way with me, cheering me along. Believe it or not- that picture was taken just after we crossed the finish line. We don't even look tired! That's a scary disease, and I'm grateful for my good health. A cool bonus for the day: I won a $100 door prize gift certificate from Coldwater Creek! (got a fun new jean jacket, nice computer bag, and cookbook for that one)
Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month in October... buy pink M&Ms!!

GIRLS' NIGHT IN
I had a bunch of girls from the BCM over for a totally girly girls' night... pizza, painting toenails, and Pride & Prejudice. I think we could have quoted the entire movie between all of us! It's definitely one worth watching over & over again. (Rob is incredible and absolutely my #1 guy- but Mr. Darcy is a close second!)

WE LOVE THE 80s COSTUME PARTY
Now, I love my students at UAB, but I was a little disappointed in their so-called 80's enthusiasm. I mean, they didn't even know who Alex P. Keaton was!!! They came up with some really good costumes though. My favorites: Rainbow Bright, Jane Fonda, Marty McFly and Care Bears. I went as Molly Ringwald- not so Pretty In Pink. The disappointment lingered, though, when all the girls oohed over my teased bangs-- and asked me how I did it!! All those mornings in the bathroom & cans of hairspray back in the 80s & early 90s led to a hideous costume... gosh, all that experience actually came in handy! I can't believe I used to do that to myself on purpose every day!

ROB & ME
I couldn't write an update and leave him out! We've been able to see each other a lot lately (which may have contributed to my lack of posts!), and that's been awesome. He took me out for a great date night to celebrate our 6 month anniversary... dinner at PF Changs, then take-out pie from Johnny Ray's and back home to watch SEC football! Last weekend, we went to a bonfire & hayride with some of his high school friends and had a great time... I love smores!
Rob's big news- all systems are go for him to purchase the business he's been looking at in West Nashville. He's going to be operating a flood & fire damage restoration franchise. God has given him a great vision for the ministry opportunities that will come along with this, and I'm really excited for him! Please keep him in your prayers as he prepares for this new endeavor (he's in training right now and will take over in mid-December).


Thanks Gloria and Amy for keeping me accountable on the blogging. I promise- I'm trying to get better!!

Update coming soon

I promise to write an update (or several) by the end of the week... a lot has been going on that I want to tell you about, but I haven't had time to stop and type it all out!!!

Stuff

I had a fun weekend! I went up to Nashville to spend the weekend with Rob & his parents. On Saturday, he took me to my first University of Tennessee football game at Neyland Stadium. Despite the drenching rain, we had a really good time! I may be in danger for admitting this in a public forum, but I ended up buying a bright orange t-shirt, and even sang "Rocky Top" a few times! Honestly, I love SEC football in general, so I knew it would be good. Don't worry, though- the Vols will ALWAYS take a backseat to my beloved Tigers!! A bit of irony for the day- a UT professor was giving a lecture that afternoon before the game on the "water shortage crisis" in America... funny topic on a day when it rained 4-5 inches on the field before the game started! If we had had a bucket, we could have helped him with that crisis!!
On Sunday, we went to Grace Community Church. When Rob & I were both overseas, GCC sent a team of volunteers to lead worship for all the missionaries in our region during our annual meeting. It was such a neat church, and even though I'd never been there before, it brought back lots of memories. I miss Prague...
God is so good to me; He constantly reminds me that He is in control, and His plan is so much better than anything I could dream up. Last week, one of the students asked me how I ended up in college ministry after being called to international missions. As I thought about the journey I've been on the past few years, I realized how different that path looks compared to what I had mapped out. My calling is to the Lord, to follow Him in obedience- not to a specific place or even type of ministry. That in and of itself has led me on an incredible ride! Don't be afraid to follow Him because of where He might take you...

Tired, but still happy

Did I really say I was going to put up a new post every week? What was I thinking?! And who out there was crazy enough to actually believe me??? Gotcha!!!
It's been a good couple of weeks. Starbucks is running full-speed ahead, and getting busier every day (which I love, by the way). It's got its challenges, but I guess every job does.
The BCM keeps me running around when I'm not making lattes. With the good, the bad, and the ugly- I still think it could be the perfect job for me. My favorite part is absolutely my weekly meetings with the girls. In addition to the regularly scheduled ones, I usually end up having several spontaneous meetings too, and those are just as much fun. Yesterday I got to go with a group of students to build a sidewalk/ramp at the home of a less-fortunate family. It was hard work, but I know more about concrete than I ever thought I would! Don't get me wrong, it's not all easy; I'm being streched in lots of different directions and learning a ton in the process, and that's great no matter how dificult.
God continues to teach me a lot in my personal times with him, too. Last week, after reading in the book of Numbers, Rob and I were talking about chapter 22, when Balaam's donkey turned around and spoke. We both agreed that we hoped we would never be so stubborn that God had to use an animal to speak to us!
Please keep praying for my ministry to the students at UAB. I am so grateful when you lift us up!
(And thanks to those of you who have commented or emailed me about the blog... I was wondering if anyone still reads it!)

What a week!

It has been a whirlwind week in my little corner of the world, and I've loved every minute of it! I was thinking this morning that I should have re-instated my old updates before venturing into this new ministry at the BCM, but I didn't, so I'm thinking about using the blog instead. My goal is to have at least a weekly update every Sunday... hold me accountable!
School started this week at UAB. I spent a lot of time on campus, meeting with students and attending welcome-week events. I've got 11 girls that I'll be meeting with weekly, and was somehow able to schedule all 11 last week without any schedule conflicts. It's a lot, but they're a great group of girls and I'm having fun with it! We had our first Thursday-night worship at the BCM with 160-180 students! (That's nearly double what they averaged last year) I only hope we can keep that momentum.
And as if I didn't have enough going on, Starbucks finally opened this week too! Wednesday and Thursday we had pre-opening "Friends & Family" days, and the big day was Friday. It's going really well so far, and I'm enjoying meeting our new regular customers.
Saturday I got a special delivery at work- a huge bouquet of yellow & white daisies (my favorite flowers!)- from my favorite Tennessean... I love surprises like that! Isn't he great?
I'm so grateful for all that God is doing in my life. I know that all these good things are a result of His work, not mine. I'm just happy that I get to be a part of it!
You can be praying for several things this coming week... Monday I'll be going to Birmingham Southern College to meet students and spread the word about a weekly Bible study we'll be starting there. Thursday, I'll lead the first in a series of four freshmen Bible studies before our regular weekly worship- ask God to speak through me to reach the new students at UAB. Also remember worship Thur. night and all the student-led Bible studies that are starting on campus this week. And to finish the week, I'll get to drive home to Louisiana next Friday to spend the weekend with my family.
Let me hear from you sometime.... I miss ya'll!

Step 1

They say the first step in battling an addiction is admitting you have a problem. So, I'm going to start with that right here. I'm addicted to 24, the tv series. It's a pretty intense show: 24 episodes per season, 1 hour per episode, each hour representing one hour in "the longest day of Jack Bauer's life". So basically, at the end of the season, you've seen what happened all 24 hours of a single day for a federal counter-terrorist agent.
I watched ALL 24 hours this past weekend!!!
Now, to cover myself a little, with no commercials, each hour is actually only about 40-45 minutes. AND, I had a mild case of food poisoning on Monday, so I wasn't going anywhere anyway. But yes, I watched season 1 in its entirety between Saturday afternoon and Monday night. I think anyone who's ever seen the show will probably sympathize with me, and understand what I went through. I'm addicted just the same though.

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