So here it is....

The Passion is not LOST...

2008-01-31T06:55:00.000-06:00

Today is the season 4 premiere of LOST. I could pee on myself or jump out of my skin. Oh, when will you come dearest 7 p.m.? Though the end will shortly approach because of the worthy strike of the creative geniuses behind the masterpiece that is LOST, I will savor every moment and cannot wait to see your face.

An eventful few weeks are ahead. As I partake in new doses of the LOST phenomenon, then head to another more super phenomenon, which is the corporate worship and adoration of Jesus Christ by thousands of 18-25 year olds, known as Passion. Although only a regional event with not as great a magnitude as the international conferences that draw tens of thousands (at least 18,000 when I was privileged to attend), still as powerful and life-changing. I cannot wait to see what God has in store. But, as part of Mayhae, we wait.

Until we meet again. I am late for work.

Be blessed,

Jezz

A well overdue hello...

2008-01-24T05:12:00.000-06:00

It's been more than year since I've posted, and so much has happened in those passing days.

Nathan and I got engaged on October 30, 2007; our wedding is less than six months away. I could never have found a more amazing man.

Today is January 24. Our band, Mayhae, is set to perform in Cullen Auditorium tonight as finalist in KGNZ's Next to Sign competition. We are blessed to have this opportunity, and no matter what the outcome of this single performance is, the music will go on beyond just today.

I've said a lot has happened, but I only had a time for a few...

So until we meet again.

Be blessed,

Jezz

Pondering Christmas...

2006-12-09T19:23:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I think I secretly despise the Christmas season...
At least that's the thought that came to my head this afternoon as I raced around the mall, dodging people, and most importantly, dodging those awkward conversations with those long lost, perhaps, friends. Every year I think it gets worse for me. Bumping into so-and-so from such-and-such place and frantically searching my mind to come up with an inkling of a memory with which to reminisce...

Of course, I don't really hate the Christmas season...
I love the decorations, the lights...so sparkly. I love the songs, even if at any other time of the year I abhor them. I like the excuse to eat baked goods and candy. I like any excuse to eat those.

But then again, none of that is really what Christmas is all about.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesday...

2006-10-03T06:51:00.000-05:00

Mondays...
Why do we have the preconceived notion that Mondays are ugly? And, why when something ugly does happen on a Monday we simply blame it ono the day? I used to like Mondays, somewhat like them anyway...but then I started work. Mondays aren't pretty to me now. But, I don't understand why they can't be pretty.

Why I can't take the ugliness of what is perceived as the Monday blues and see it in a different light?

Of course, it's not going to be roses and caramel and chocolate and happy smiling puppies. But it can be, intentionally being nicer to others and not letting the Mondayness of the day get to me...I guess I'll have to wait until next Monday to see what could happen...

It's Tuesday...tomorrow's Wednesday...and LOST...I'm so excited.

And because it is Tuesday, I must get ready to head off into the real world where I will try to smile and catch up on lots and lots of work because my boss is gone.

Be blessed today,
Jezz

I don't just change my socks...

2006-09-27T06:44:00.000-05:00

Every morning I:
wake up
crawl into the shower
become clean again
sit at the computer
check my acu mail
check my google mail
then check facebook...
There's always something new on facebook every morning. I'm not just talking about an updated profile or new pictures on my mini-feed, but the basic structure of facebook seems to be ever-changing.

That's kind of like my life right now...The basic structure is ever-changing. I don't know when it all really started, or where to flag the starting point. All I know is change has become a huge domino effect in my life for nearly a year now...one event right after another. It's really hard, really stressful, emotionally straining and heart-wrenching. But at the same time, it's not so hard. It's almost natural...at least most of it. Some of it I can't control, and if I could change things, I would have probably left them the way they were. But other things, the big things, the decisions that I had to consciously make that I agonized over...those...onced the decision was made, they fit. They made sense...and most of all, they don't hurt...they give me peace.

It's hard jumping over these hurdles right now...especially when you're afraid of what may come next. How big will that one be? Can I get over it? Or will fall flat on my face? I hope I can jump higher and run faster now...

Be blessed today...time to get ready for work.
Jezz

Goodbye money...

2006-09-20T06:47:00.000-05:00

Last night, I bought a drumset...I like to spend my money, apparently.

That's all I really have to say...or at least time to say...

It's off to work I go.
Be blessed,
Jezz

I've become a real West Texas man...

2006-09-08T06:46:00.000-05:00

I went the ACU football game last night. It was odd...maybe just for me. I got free season tickets to all the home games, yay...I just wish I liked football more. I mean, I like it, but it's not the sporting event of my choosing. My seats are right on the 50 yard line and in the midst of alot of old-er people...I'm just a little out of place, but I guess I should get used to sitting with the old folks... :( I don't think I've talked as much in a whole week since I've graduated than I did at the game. It was good for me to get out and see...people. I don't get enough of that. The barren halls of the sixth floor and the silence of my office aren't ideal environments for socializing...

Today is the beginning of the two-day Legends Dove Hunt fundraiser/event for the Children's Miracle Network. In preparation for this rustic event, I've never seen so much camo in my life...but I have learned much about shotguns, because I really needed to know about them. I'm just helping out with the preparation and registration this morning, so I won't have to sacrifice the weekend, which is nice, because I really need a weekend...short weeks are nice, but they really mess up your work schedule...too much to do, not enought time...the story of life.

It's about that time...
Be blessed,
Jezz

Blisters, burrows and blessings...

2006-08-29T22:14:00.000-05:00

Today I walked around campus with Nathan. I exercised. That's quite a feat for me, if I do say so myself. In the process, I managed to get a blister on the back of my right heel because my socks were too low. ick. Oh well, at least I got out and conquered the unconquerable...or something like that.

So, work is going well. Lots of work to do...not enough time in the day...the usual corporate mumbo jumbo. I've become a bigger nerd though, that's for sure. But it's okay now, because it's expected and accepted. It's good that I scrutinize kerning and look at the source of websites. I even thought about making my own template for my blog...sad. I've always been a nerd. I guess I'm just taking my nerdiness to an all new high!

Speaking of nerd, I've had to push myself to not be so antisocial lately. (Bad segue, sorry.) It's not that I don't really want to be around people...it's just that I'm lazy and don't want to try...but I do all at the same time. The introvert in me is taking over...or at least trying to. Not that that's a bad thing. I know I just need to get out more...so if it seems like I've blown you off...I'm sorry. I really don't mean to. Unless I do. But you would probably know it if I was.

I've been digging myself into my own little burrow lately. Circumstances, trials and changes are most likely the catalyst. But, it's not the best thing for me to do. I want so badly to break out and be free again. I know I will eventually. But I will walk through the valley, to get to the next mountain top. I am truly blessed to be able to know that.

Be blessed today in all you do,
Jezz

Get this stuff off of me...

2006-08-25T06:43:00.000-05:00

Some weeks just hit you hard, like nothing you've ever expected...everything piled up in a nice, neat heap...and messes up virtually everything in your world.

So now I'm buried. Underneath a pile of worries, fears and doubts, you will find me...trying to smile, but it's most likely not working.

So what do I do? I have to realize it's not my world; it's not my call. I can't control the trials that rain on my hapiness parade. Why? It's not my world. So I take it all in, process it...and then I have to decide what to do with it. (This is where God steps in and makes it better.) The processing isn't quite done yet, but on the other side, I know there's beauty within these ashes.

Blessings abound today...stop and see them.
Jezz

Welcome back...

2006-08-23T06:52:00.000-05:00

I think I've forgotten that I had a blog...or maybe it was just laziness. I must admit, I miss bloggity blog blogging. And so this morning I make a vow to you, my one and only reader...probably. I will write on...
Starting later today.
Be blessed,
Jezz

Mornings aren't always my best friend...

2006-07-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

I don't do mornings well-especially the span of time walking from my car in the far-away parking lot to my sixth-floor office. I start thinking, then it gets sad...lonely. Every morning I go through the shock of growing up all over again. What would I do different if I could go back to high school...or at least college? Could I do it differently? Why am I thinking about this? Looking back neever gets us anywhere...but short of what we could reach ahead.

Time to work...
Be blessed today,
Jezz

I am grown up...

2006-06-24T22:30:00.000-05:00

It's been so long since I've posted that I forgot my username and password. I need to fix that.

I finally came to the realization that I am really and truly out of college. It was rough. I guess it never really hit me that I would never have the same experience of going to class, seeing my friends every day and just being "young." Oh well. Makes me sad, but it's okay...life does go on.

Work is doing great! I'd add details, but they'll probably just sound boring and mundane...and I don't want to bore you.

Abilene's starting to look lonely again...let's hope it doesn't get that way.

Be blessed tonight,
Jezz

Finally...an update...

2006-05-10T19:10:00.000-05:00

Graduating on Saturday...whoop...
Have my last finals tomorrow...eek...
New LOST tonight...yay...
Time for a group meeting...no comment...

Be blessed,
Jezz

4 8 15 16 23 42...

2006-04-25T15:26:00.000-05:00

So I was trying to figure out my multiples of four today because I needed to give myself a timeline for finishing 36 one-page bios by next Friday. I started at four in my head...and it went like this...
4 8 15 16 23 42
??? wait, I thought 36 was in there somewhere. So again:
4 8 15 16 23 42
hmm...curious. Once more:
4 8 15 16 23 42
Man, what's going on. So this time I slowed down and thought about what I was saying. That's when it hit me...

I need help.
btw... 4 x 9 = 36 fyi

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Work...

2006-04-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

YAY! I have a big-girl JOB!

oh hermie...

2006-04-18T09:35:00.000-05:00

I can never look at Hermie the same again.

Waiting on word from a big-girl job. I want it like I want cake and cookies, which is alot right now. I have some sweet tea that's not really sweet, and it's not hitting the spot.

waiting for 11 a.m.

be blessed,
jezz

Dust...

2006-04-06T14:45:00.000-05:00

The onslaught of gusty West Texas winds blowing on the dry and thirsty land has brought the heinous red dirt sky to Abilene. It's sickening. Grits of dust and dirth find a niche between your teeth; breathing clean air is not an option. Where's my oxygen tank?

Hermie is cute...

2006-04-04T09:35:00.000-05:00

Left the house early to buy the Passion: Everything Glorious cd at Wal-mart.
Found out that iTunes calls the album Everyone Glorious.
Was taken back to Nashville with the songs...but without the sickness.
The sickness reminds me of LOST.
Everything reminds me of LOST.
Hermie the Caterpillar has found a home on my desk :)
Really wanna go to Six Flags on June 24 to see Switchfoot and Mutemath.
Watched baseball yesterday.
The Braves won :) barely.
Found out about a job opening at Hendrick.
Need to finish cover letter for the job.
History test today...haven't been in a class for a week.
Lots of homework on my head.
Trying not to get stressed out.
Ordered my graduation invitations yesterday.
Picking up my graduation invitations today.
Oh my gosh, I'm graduating.
Listening to Jay and Jack...again.
Playing at a D-Now this weekend at UBC.
Finishing my Chai tea latte.
Back to the cover letter writing.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Stuff...

2006-04-03T08:23:00.000-05:00

Back from band tour.
Ate lots of food.
Watched LOST as soon as I got home.
Applied for two jobs before I left.
Catching up on Jay and Jack...loving it!
Still need to apply for at least two more jobs.
Nathan got a job...yay!
Finally having a band officer meeting today...omg.
Made some prototype invites for band banquet.
Had to cover my eyes while skipping through the LOST spoilers.
Stashing a banana in the office.
Changed my mind: eating banana.
Going to class now....
good day!
Jezz

You guys got any milk...

2006-03-27T09:06:00.000-06:00

Hi. My name is Jesiree, and I'm a LOST-aholic.

Thank you.

Your shirt, my shirt...

2006-03-09T09:06:00.000-06:00

Something to chew on:
"Though all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon the earth, so Truth be in the field, we do injuriously by licensing and prohibiting to misdoubt her strength. Let her and Falsehood grapple..."
- John Milton's Areopagitica (ya, I learned this in Comm Law)
The word(s) of God is truth; and all other noise around me is just noise. God's truth, God's word, always wins out in the end - over the noise, over the falsehood, over the doubt, over my own misgivings, opinions, thoughts and ramblings. His word remains true and forever.

I had a dream the other night that someone liked my blog and used it as an example as a "good blog." Ya, it was just a dream. Yesterday Tark and I wore the same shirt, on accident...not on purpose. But it was fun. We always have the fear that the other will wear one of the many shirts that we have in common, but it never happens. One of us usually puts it on in the morning only to take it off before stepping out of the door. But not yesterday.

Time to do some work. Be blessed today,
Jezz

I don't like paper cuts...

2006-03-08T08:37:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I stuffed lots of envelopes and got two paper cuts. Ouch. I'm thinking of turkey legs and roasted corn. And now, I'm hungry.

That is all there is today for I have not had my caffeine.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Crowder and careers...

2006-03-06T08:42:00.000-06:00

Last night I saw Crowder and Third Day in concert. I am a happy kid. Crowder played a key-tar. It was red. He's my favorite and so is the rock opera. I was a little disappointed that he didn't play any of their amazing slower songs, but I can understand since they're not as widely known and popular as his super-cool fast ones, which, btw, have inspired me to buy a turn table. Ya, I'm that cool.

This week's goal: apply for jobs and put together a portfolio with writing and graphics samples. Next Monday is exactly two months from my graduation date. As long as I don't do anything really stupid and fail one of my classes this semester, I'm all set to get out of here and quit racking up thousands in debt. Thank you, ACU. And so, my real job search has begun. I've posted my resume on ACU's CareerLink site and have a few leads, so we'll see. I still have to bring a resume by the folks at Hendrick to see if something may turn up there. Basically it now boils down to me getting the initiative to go out and see these people and give them my beautiful resume and an outstanding portfolio. hehe. It'll be an adventure if anything else.

Now I must finish tending to my blueberry muffin and chai tea latte. Have a wonderfully blessed day,
Jezz

Everything Glorious...

2006-03-03T08:25:00.000-06:00

News from the 268 blog: the Passion 06 cd is done...and the playlist is amazing! I'm so excited! Passion 07 is already off to an incredible start, and it's 10 months away. But, that's how great it's gonna be. The first 1,000 registrations (the ones that got the discounted price) went in 8.5 minutes. That's right 8.5. The first 500 went in 2 minutes and the next in 6.5. My registration will be in shortly, as soon as I find a flight/lodging. You should come too. I promise you won't regret it, and nothing in this world is quite like it. I imagine heaven will kind of be like this but with shorter lines and Jesus speaking instead of Louie. Now that's gonna be cool.

btw...the cd will be out on April 4th, and it's titled "Everything Glorious."

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Lost fun...

2006-02-28T08:19:00.000-06:00

For all you Lostees:

It's like two of my favorite things!

Every kid needs one of these:

If you haven't seen the last episode, don't even bother.

Thanks to Ralph who gave these pics to Jay and Jack who then posted them on jayandjack.com

That's all for now!
Jezz

Here comes the sun...

2006-02-27T09:15:00.000-06:00

The sun is back, and I am filled with joy.
Good week.
Jezz

Take me home...

2006-02-23T09:02:00.000-06:00

::Headache::

It's Thursday morning, and I'm at work only because I feel obligated to be here. I wish I could just crawl under my desk, curl up and fall fast asleep. Alas, I cannot. Work is frustrating, probably the last place I'd want to be. I'd rather be on my couch, nursing a cup of tea and studying the back of my eyelids to the sound of the television. Bliss...almost.

Honestly, that's all I can think of right now...well, that and my boy. That's all I can think of. The brain doesn't function properly when on medications and hurting.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Sun...

2006-02-22T09:19:00.001-06:00

Fog. Dreary. Clouds. I miss the sun.

It's amazing what dreary days can do to your spirit. Smile. It's gonna be okay. The sun will shine again...eventually.

I haven't played golf in over a week. I have the urge to drive a ball...not that I'm good at it, just 'cause I find it fun.

I have resolve to go and do. I'll stop sitting around making excuses. I'll go and do what I know to do. Wish me luck!

Allow the Lord to bless you today,
Jezz

2006-02-22T09:19:00.000-06:00

Fog. Dreary. Clouds. I miss the sun.

I haven't played golf in over a week. I have the urge to drive a ball...not that I'm good at it, just 'cause I find it fun.

Go...do...

2006-02-21T09:09:00.000-06:00

Last night I read the devotional for Feb. 20 in Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest since it was Feb. 20. It's amazing what God has to say to you...you just have to be willing to hear it.

"Arise, let us go from here." John 14:31

When our purpose is to seek God and to discover His will for us, daydreaming is right and acceptable. But when our inclination is to spend time daydreaming over what we have already been told to do, it is unacceptable and God's blessing is never on it. God will take the initiative against this kind of daydreaming by prodding us to action. His instructions to us will be along the lines of this: "Don't sit or stand there, just go!"

Daydreaming after God has spoken is an indication that we do not trust Him.

Oswald Chambers

I need to just go and do...and trust.

Be blessed today,
Jezz

I like pictures...

2006-02-09T09:15:00.000-06:00

Today is Thursday. The week is almost done. Yay!

For the music of the day:

Way cute...a must-buy!

Facebook keeps me from doing my work. It's very bad, but I have to stay updated on the goings-on of everyone's lives. But,really, without it, I wouldn't have found another lover of ube ice cream.
As seen here:

That's enough randomness for now. I'll come back later with something that really matters.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Monday...

2006-02-06T08:38:00.000-06:00

Muffin was sub-par today...that means it wasn't very good. It's really cold in my office. It's a Monday. I don't like my attitude. I'd like to get out of this funk. My chai tea latte isn't warming me up. I want this week to be worlds better than last week. I don't think I can handle another last week. I don't want to have to.

Heavy weight on shoulders? Feels like it. Why? I don't know. Just tiredness? Maybe. More than that? Probably.

I need to turn my mind off.

"People with their minds set on You,
You keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet,
because they keep at it and don't quit.
Depend on GOD and keep at it
because in the LORD GOD you have a sure thing."

Isaiah 26:3-4, The Message translation

Have a blessed day,
Jezz

Boy! band...

2006-02-03T08:13:00.000-06:00

I miss Plus One. Yes, that's right, Plus One: the boy band, the not-so-boy band. I wish they were back. The five-member boy band always brings back fond memories of high school. The not-so-boy band of their third album rocked my world. Exodus (their third album) is a lot better than you think. The three former boy banders that make up the Exodus group actually play instruments this time instead of headset mics and crazy-cool dance moves. The album was produced by Peter Furler, who does a fantastic job capitalizing on the group's strength and creating an album that's unique and fresh to their audience. The three in the Exodus group made a nice transition from boy-bander to rocker without the drama or reality tv show of Ashley Parker Angel. (That guy really needs to get a name change.) Buy Exodus today.

Launchcast radio brings my Chicago's "You're the Inspiration" at 8:24 a.m. It's gonna be a good day.
Band this evening and for the rest of the weekend. Wish me luck...and patience.

Today, I will recommend a book to you all
Praise Habit: Finding God in Sunsets and Sushi

You'll laugh, you may cry and you'll think.

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Disney...

2006-02-02T19:15:00.000-06:00

Two references to Disney Land/World in one day. I think it's a sign.

Jezz

Bored...

2006-02-02T15:00:00.000-06:00

Currenty listening to: my launchcast radio station at music.yahoo.com. Playing right now is 4 no blondes, "What's Up," cerca 1992. This morning I got my year's dose of Bennie and the Jets (yay for Elton John) and some Tears for Fears. Hotel California...so bad, yet so good.

Anyway, It's been a long week, but a pretty good week. I'm most definitely tired and am looking forward to getting some rest at some point in time. I would absolutely love to just go home and take a nap right now, but, alas, I must attend to my obligations.

Ahh, Chris Tomlin: always a breath of fresh air.

Anyway...it's about time for me to be out-ie and finish up some homework before my night class. Probably another update then.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Flash class...

2006-01-26T20:08:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting here Interactive Media...as I like to call it, Flash Class...I'm hungry. We're making a ball bounce and a rectangle go up and down the screen right now. I'm way excited...not really. I would comment on something right now...but I can't...since I'm sitting here in flash class. I just made my rectangle rotate clockwise...then counter clockwise...I am so cool.

I worked on my paper for Pub Design this afternoon...and I'm almost done! Yay. I still have all tomorrow to finish it, which hopefully I'll finish it in the earlier parts of the day rather than waiting until after I get off work tomorrow night. btw...this is my promised second post, just for Nathan...to make up for the non-posting of yesterday.

Legend has it that we get out of this class early each time, but I don't think that's happening tonight. Not that it would really matter if I got out early...after this, Sing Song beckons. Oh, how I wish I could just sleep.

My ball has a smiley face, and his mouth is moving...
that's my cue to go...I'm sleepy...

Be blessed,
Jezz

I just want sleep...

2006-01-26T15:08:00.000-06:00

I'm soooo tired! It's yucky. I don't like this feeling. This morning I had a medium chai tea latte with a blueberry muffin, and shortly thereafter, I had a small caramel macchiato (all java city brewed). Lots of liquids and caffeine for this little body. That resulted in lots of leg-shaking and sporadic movements during band...embarrassing, I know. The caffeine-chugging was to no avail...I nearly fell asleep in my 1:30 p.m. American History class. It's not a boring class, lots of interaction with teams, etc, but it was really warm in the room = naptime. Which brings me to work. So I sit here, blow pop in mouth. (I have to get my sugar fix somehow.)

Now I will write my function essay about my magazine for Pub Design. Yay.

Be blessed, (more after the essay is done.)
Jezz

What's in a name...

2006-01-24T15:10:00.000-06:00

Through the powers of Google search, I found out that there are about 2 or 3 other girls with my name. Funny, they're all from Guam (well one of them is a model and has California listed as her location...very possible that she's from Guam. Her model profile thing says her ethnicity is islander)...and younger than me. hmmm...curious. Whatever...

"I'm going to google you."
"You most certainly are not!"

Good day.
Jezz

Tuesday...

2006-01-24T09:18:00.000-06:00

This morning a guy I work with had the same AE hipster jeans on as I did. (btw...I didn't work at AE this morning, either.) Frankly, I wanted to erupt in a chorus of laughter, but I couldn't. But I did snicker under my breath, just not too loudly because he was right in front of me. I'm amused.

Yesterday was my first day at the driving range. Golf. I hit the ball...several times actually. Some of them got pretty far too. LPGA, here I come! maybe not. I have a blister under my left pinky and a sore spot on my left thumb.

And, this is farewell for now...more later...as per usual.

Be blessed,
Jezz

More Passion-like things...

2006-01-23T08:55:00.000-06:00

I pulled out my Passion 06 t-shirt from my drawer this morning (very nice: a soft grey and well-designed) and decided that I wanted to wear it every day for the rest of my life. But knowing that that would be virtually impossible and, not to mention, gross, I decided to pass on that. Since then, however, all I can think about is Passion. I know, you're thinking, "will you get off of this already? That's all you've been talking about. Sure, you were there, but I wasn't. It's nice that you went and all, but..." In defense, "You won't really understand, unless you see for yourself. My want to burst out and tell the whole world (you just happen to be the audience for right now) is a direct result of it...of God's glory and renown. Experience it for yourself. You won't be disappointed."

And, on that note...the first bundle of Passion 06 music and an amazing talk by Louie will be available on iTunes tomorrow! I'm so excited. You should download it.

Today's major props go to the new coffee shop in Barrett Hall. I had a yummy chai tea latte and a cream cheese muffin this morning for breakfast.

"Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts."
Isaiah 26:8, the basis of the 268 generation, Passion

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Aquarius...

2006-01-20T09:59:00.000-06:00

This one's for Aaron Wilder...

This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius
age of Aquariu-us
A-quar-i-us...

Thank you...and good night...or morning in this case.
Jezz

Make sure you read the post before this...it's much more relevant and...well it's better than this one.

A nugget of joy...

2006-01-19T15:58:00.000-06:00

From the 268 generation blog, posted by Louie Giglio on Jan. 6, 2006, here is a nugget of joy (in my eyes)...
a bit about (kind of) Passion 06:

I'm Sorry I Didn't Tell You Before You Came
For all you people new to Passion, I'm so, so sorry we didn't inform you before arriving about the post Passion dilemma of trying to tell people who were not there about what happened. I mean, honestly, have you ever felt more frustrated trying to search for mere words? So you say a lot of things that are sort of discombobulated and exasperating, hoping that the exploding radiance in your somewhat droopy eyes translates more effectively the surging truth and emotion that are about to blow your heart wide open.

If you're still searching for an answer to the "How was Passion" question, I like what one blogger wrote: "when asked by a friend, "how was it" all i could do is hug them with everything i had and tell them, that's just the first 30 seconds of the conference. imagine 4 days of that, but with God's intensity."

Oh, and I also forgot to tell you that your brain would hurt for a few days.
And that songs would thunder in your head.
And that you would find yourself drifting back into that massive crowd.
And that you would feel like you had known your Family Group forever.
And that you would wake up wanting to head to your Community Group.

And to that...I quote Louie in saying..."right on."
There really aren't many words to describe the Passion experience. I can tell you, as I have with many, that I went to a college-aged worship-ish conference, name the speakers and highlight the bands, but my description could never embody the joy that overwhelms my spirit when I think about the experience at Passion. To be reminded of the glory of God and to be called to live for His renown...His fame...that's amazing.

If you don't believe me, or just don't get it...see for yourself: January 1-4, 2007, Atlanta, Ga. Registration begins March 1.

Tired already...

2006-01-19T15:11:00.000-06:00

I'm bored. Granted, there's a sufficient amount of work I could be doing here, but I'm really not in the mood. It's the third day of school, and I'm tired. I wanted to skip my noon class; today was the first class meeting. It's not worth the trouble of skipping, mainly, because we only meet five times in the semester in the span of seven weeks. I think I can handle that even if half of the information is probably not relevant for me. Oh well, that's what I get for waiting so long to take the class in the first place.

I'm really ready for today to be over, or at least to have a substatial break. But, alas, after I leave here at 4:30, I'm running some errands, grabbing dinner and heading off to class at 6 p.m. Class is scheduled to last until 9 p.m., but I've heard that rarely happens, whether it does or not, however, doesn't really matter. At 8 p.m., Sing Song rehearsal begins...and ends at 11 p.m. Man, I hope there's not any homework that I'm missing that I haven't already done...that may be an issue, hopefully not. All that to say, I really just want to go to bed right now. That would be amazing. Oh well, I cold beverage (non-alcoholic...I'm thinking iced coffee, smoothie, cherry limeade...something like that) should suffice.

But still...I press on...
"This too shall pass." And when it does, I will be disheartened...sad that it's gone. I enjoy it all for now, every moment...even the dull, the frustrating and the seemingly unbearable ones...

Be blessed today and always,
Jezz

G'morning...day two...

2006-01-18T09:31:00.000-06:00

SING SONG

has begun.

Alpha Kai's first rehearsal is tonight. I'm excited. The music is really cute this year, and there's tons that can be done with the show. We had a section leader meeting Monday afternoon where we learned the first page of music. I'm telling you, it's gonna be good...I hope you're pumped...

Yesterday was the first day of classes, but since I only had one class, it didn't really seem like anything had begun. So today my day is packed full...classes from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. without a break. I hate that. It's just not fun...not to mention, there's no time for nourishment. I like food. I don't like missing meals, or being hungry. My mom packed me snacks this morning: a chocolate chip granola bar, famous amos cookies and some beef jerky. Healthy snacks aren't really a strong point in my house. I also bought a Snickers. I think the advertising has finally gotten to me. "Hungry? Why wait? Grab a Snickers." I did.

Time to go to Pub Design. Senior year, last semester, and I'm finally taking this class. It's all newspaper design this year, I think. At least, that's the impression I'm getting from the book I bought. Not too stoked about that. I was actually really looking forward to laying out a magazine about David Crowder, using as many photos as humanly possibly...especially close-up face shots...some with his mouth wide open.

So, have a great day today. I will be attending classes and learning valuable things for life and what not...
Jezz

New beginnings...

2006-01-17T10:17:00.000-06:00

new year. new semester. new classes. new boss. new co-worker. new pencil bag. Ya, it's that time for the new stuff to appear...I guess. More new than usual right now though. New is good. It's fresh, challenging, different. And soon, new will become old. That's good too...it will be routine, but it will also be comfortable and familiar.

Currently working on a press release about Jerry Mitchell, an investigative reporter for The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss. He's coming to speak to classes and at a luncheon for the JMC department at ACU. I must say, his work is really interesting. He was portrayed in the movie Ghosts of Mississippi, which follows his investigation and reporting of the 1963 assassination of NAACP leader Medgar Evers. I think I've seen that movie, but I'm not sure. I'll have to watch it again along with Mississippi Burning, which was the film that inspired his work and investigation into the civil rights era. He's a very driven Christian reporter...admirable.

Listening to the Passion 05 cd and hoping it will hold me off until the Passion 06 cd comes out or until the cds of the talks arrive at my doorstep. Memories for a lifetime, but hopefully not a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I want to be there in Atlanta, Ga., for Passion 07.

Better get back to work. It's almost chapel time, and so semester eight begins and will soon (sooner than anyone will expect) come to an end. Graduation is 14 credit hours away...

Be blessed today,
Jezz

2006-01-05T10:49:00.000-06:00

Passion 06 continued...

2006-01-04T17:44:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting here in our extended-stay hotel room watching Seinfeld, waiting for my pre-dinner snack to warm up and drinking some mandarin orange tea. We're in between sessions right now...sessions that we didn't and won't be attending. Because Passion 06 has been a struggle for Jarryd and I. Designed to challenge your mind, your beliefs, your faith and your diligence and committment to the cause of Christ, this Passion conference has challenged us a more basic area of life and faith. Theology aside, we have been challenged to trust the Lord with our health, our physical well-being.

We had extravagant plans and expectations for this trip. Plans for places, sessions, speakers, foods, guitars and people to go, see, hear, try, buy and meet have long been forgotten after our second night here. Our first day here was tremendous. We started the day off early after a long drive overnight; ate breakfast, shopped a bit and registered for what we expected and knew would be an amazing conference. But something came over me before the first session was through, something that bit me in the stomach and made me feel faint, weak and absolutely miserable. I sucked it up and toughed through the rest of the night which included separate small group sessions and a Shane and Shane concert, that I happened to have fallen asleep in. (I know, yes, I did feel that bad.) But God's grace, mercy, love and provision was already beginning to shine through then. At my weakest point on the verge of tears, I ran into a friend who I didn't know was here in the midst of 18,000 college students and broke down into tears because I didn't think I could make it through the rest of the night. I made it through the rest of the night, including sleeping on her shoulder to the musings of Shane and Shane. But back at the hotel was another story. The worst came...and it was beyond miserable. Through it all, I cried out to the Lord for healing and strength, continuously reminding myself, "this too will pass." But it was so hard to remember that.

After the arduous night, the morning seemed much better. But still weak. We traveled to downtown Nashville, got the parking lot and sat for about 20 minutes until we realized we weren't well enough to make it through the day and went back to the hotel to rest. We were able to make it the evening sessions of Passions but couldn't endure another late night session. So it was off to the grocery store for the third time during our stay to get medicine (we already made two previous trips when we bought some medicine for at least one of us each time). Soup and medicine. The morning was bearable until lunch time when Jarryd wasn't well enough to stick around. More medicine and food; back to the hotel. One more trip to the grocery store to buy more medicine for Jarryd, and now we're praying that he gets well and over this fever.

Definitely the last thing I expected for Passion 06, especially for two people who rarely get sick. I expected great things from God, intriguing lessons and poweful worship. I still got those.

To God be the glory...always...

more later...
Be blessed,
Jezz

Passion 06...

2006-01-04T10:46:00.000-06:00

On our way to Nashvegas...

2006-01-01T16:59:00.000-06:00

2005-12-07T17:13:00.000-06:00

2005-12-06T14:20:00.001-06:00

Celebrate...

2005-12-05T13:59:00.000-06:00

Today equals one year and one day...yay Nathan.
That's a reason to celebrate.

Studying for finals until Wednesday, then it's Christmas time.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Back blogging...

2005-12-02T09:36:00.001-06:00

Why I love blogs: going back and reading the past.

I ventured back to the past this morning and read some of my most transparent blogging moments at my old site. To sum it all up: frustration, pain, tears...all with glimmers of hope...and lots of music. I can't really say that I can relate to much of that anymore. Some of it still penetrates my heart, but most that does are the glimmers of hope, the parts that say, "I can still carry on with a smile on my face." I like those parts.

And, some of it pushes me to keep my word, to not let myself down. If myself from then knew what I was not doing to fulfill my dreams, desires and live out my passions, well, I wouldn't be too thrilled with myself. Don't get me wrong, there are no regrets. But (if you will allow me to quote Dr. Wilson here) a "sense of urgency" is upon me, more so than before, to "make my 'somedays 'today." (that quote was from Dr. Houghton.) So...I now have resolve. Resolve to do what, you ask? To not sit back and wait around for the "right time," for this, there is no right time. The right time is now. Life is too short to not pursue my dreams. So I'm pursuing...

Ya, so I'm graduating in May and am supposed to get a real job. It'll work out; I'm not too worried. But I would be worried if I didn't at least try. So I'm gonna try...
We'll see what happens...

Have a blessed day today,
Jezz

Semeste almost done...must...finish...

2005-11-30T10:13:00.000-06:00

One more paper then finals, and the semester is over! wow...this was a quick one. I don't think I ever really got into the swing of things. Or right about the time I was settling down, I'm picking up and moving along. Isn't that life, though? We get too busy settling down to settle down at first that we almost miss the whole experience. By the time it's the end, well, as always, we wish we had more time.
But this time, I'm okay with it being the end, I guess.
More later...time for band.

To dream or not...

2005-11-10T17:32:00.000-06:00

So the other day I updated Nathan's blog instead of my own, just 'cause, even though I've really been needing to update mine. Last night I went to the Bethany Dillon, the afters and Jeremy Camp concert at the Civic Center here in good 'ol Abilene. It was fabulous. I sat on the third rown on top of what is usually the orchestra pit, which also happens to be a hydraulic lift above a hollow vast of pit-ness. Needless to say, whenever the super-large boys in front of me along with the other 100 people on the pit started jumping up and down, the ground beneath me shook with all of its might.

But beyond the great music, something else stirred inside of me. Spawned from reading a newspaper article about Celia Davis, vice president of communication and government relation at Hendrick Medical Center. You see, Celia is retiring in January to pursue her dreams of starting her own consulting business. She's doing this instead of running for the Texas Legislature seat recently vacated by Bob Hunter, as was speculated. In the article from the Nov. 4, 2005 Abilene Reporter-News she said, "You realize life is short, and if you want to do something, you should pursue it."

Coming to the end of college and looking at the "real world" and for a real job, I'm wondering: am I discounting my dreams? Am I throwing them away for a cubicle (or maybe an office), a computer and an eight to five routine? I want to pursue...but how? And how do you learn the balance of pursuing a dream and still holding onto reality? Where do I go from here?

Graduation is in 184 days...

Be blessed today,Jezz

Buh bye homecoming...

2005-10-19T09:15:00.000-05:00

Oh Centennial Homecoming, how you've come and gone.
But what have I learned from you?
Well,
*Duct tape is not the answer to all things.
*Band shirts become cool after about a 20-year rest on the shelf.
*The weird look you get from hotel receptionists and restaurant managers when trying to explain things to them isn't very pleasant...and after about 10 of them, it's kinda disturbing.
*The Siggie streak can be broken: look out Sing Song? hmmm...
*Breakfast will never start on time...it's a fact.
I don't know if there can be too much purple...that's still up in the air.

Meanwhile, pledging is finally over...thank the Lord! Regular club meeting tonight...and voting...for Sing Song director...ya

okay...well back to planning band stuff for the rest of the semester...it'll be fun!

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Homecoming...

2005-10-14T10:44:00.000-05:00

This morning I donned my purple and headed off to work where I stood on a roof for an hour with lots of duct tape and packing tape. It's a cupcake...get it?

Happy Homecoming, ACU. Happy Homecoming.

2005-09-30T10:09:00.000-05:00

I like crop marks and bleeds...

Violet Crumble...

2005-09-21T09:07:00.000-05:00

It's the time of year when there are little packets of candy corn in the candy bowl in Vanderpool...yum! Not to mention, I have a Violet Crumble today and, boy, am I happy! If you've never tried Australia's crisp golden honeycomb, you're missing out on simply one of the best candy bars ever.
I made my yahoo radio station this morning. I have to admit: it's a pretty random selection I've got there, but it's so much fun!
Well...I'm gonna get back to work now...after which I have to study, alot, for my spanish test tomorrow. Four works of old-spanish literature. Lord, have mercy on my soul.
Be blessed today,
Jezz

Wes...

2005-09-19T19:24:00.000-05:00

Wes Greer on Facebook...lol...

Life really is good...

2005-09-19T10:05:00.000-05:00

Simple words from Stellar Kart:
"Life is good. Eternal life is better."
Love it.

"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quitely for the salvation of the LORD."
-Lamentations 3:25-26

Be blessed today...let God bless you...He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you can ever ask or imagine,
Jezz

It's soap box time...

2005-09-14T13:47:00.000-05:00

"...but I find it kind of weird to pay money to make friends. I guess I'd just prefer to make friends a different way." - female sophomore from the JMC department as quoted in the Sept. 14, 2005 issue of The Optimist, student newspaper of Abilene Christian University

I don't pay for my friends in Alpha Kai Omega...actually, I don't think any of us pay for our friends. Come to think of it, I don't think any other members of other social clubs would say they were paying for their friends either. Of course, I can't be too sure about that nor can I speak for absolutely everyone, but I'd say that's probably the general consensus. So then, why do people assume that or say that? Well, they have no experience in the situation. What they say is fluff. But that's what others think if they too have no experience.
Since I used to think the same thing but quickly found the truth, I know a little about how it's not true and, frankly, shouldn't be spread any longer.

Let's explore the basis of this claim:
a person that is not in a social club, doesn't know anyone in a social club, and has merely been a spectator from afar sees two things about clubs: alot of people that hang out together and dues.
yes, I have to pay dues to Alpha Kai Omega...aha! you're paying for friends. No. I'm paying for activity fees. If you'll notice on your ACU bill, you too have activity fees. You must be paying for your friends too.
Club provides an avenue to meet people, yes. You will become friends with these people, it's natural. But, if you were to meet them in other contexts, say class, service project, intramurals, etc., you'd still be friends with them. Club brings people together.
When you're looking for a social club, find one that matches who you are. Don't try to match them. And, if by chance, you don't get another invite or a bid, it's not the end of the world. I promise. It hurts, rejection hurts. But it's okay because God's in control of the process, not you or the clubs. And don't despise the club because you didn't get that invitation or bid. It hurts them too to have to vote knowing that people's feelings will get hurt. It brings them pain too. Just because you're not in the club, doesn't mean you can't still be friends. You've met each other and have established a relationship, don't let a club affect that.

Bids go out Thursday evening. God bless all of you who are affected. I pray you see God's hand in all of this, and you are blessed by His working in your life for the good of those who love Him.

Be blessed today,
Jezz

New music Tuesday...

2005-09-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

Even Switchfoot has a myspace...
The new Switchfoot cd "Nothing is Sound" comes out tomorrow, Sept. 13, 2005. Definitely a long-awaited project by the highly-successful Christian band. Their music, especially their omg-it-gets-played-all-the-time hit Dare You to Move, has infiltrated the air waves, both Christian and mainstream. Kudos to them.
Switchfoot has a myspace...and so does Shane & Shane...
They too have a new album coming out tomorrow. Woo hoo! Tomorrow is a good day. The new album an evening with shane & shane recorded at spaceway studios will most likely be pretty sweet...aren't they always? Two men that sing like chicks have a great track record with making their acoustic sound fresh and way exciting. I'm looking forward to it! yay...

Rushing is coming to a close for me with the last Alpha Kai Omega rush this afternoon. Bids will go out Thursday evening, and Friday night the bid night festivies will take over! I'm ready for pledging to get started; it's going to be a blast!

I'd better get back to putting old ACU photos in little plastic sleeves. Have a wonderfully blessed day!
Jezz

Another glorious morning...

2005-09-07T08:20:00.000-05:00

Without myACU, my hands are tied...
Apparently they're doing some "troubleshooting" right now with the network, which means I can't check my e-mail or update my timesheet or do my homework or check to see if all my financial aid is in or...well, you get the picture, basically nothing that involves school-like things. Oh well, they should be done soon.

Meanwhile, back on the boat (there's really no boat, I just thought I'd say that)...
I may be going to the big metropolis of Cisco, Texas, this afternoon to write a news release about a group of ACU students that are going there to help the 100 evacuees that were sent there. That would be so cool. I'd have to drive myself probably, which means, I hope I don't get lost. I wonder if Cisco is further away than Coleman, probably not. But if it were, I could beat my record. I know...I need to get out of Abilene. But it would be super-neat if I could go out there...

Yet life goes on...
I graduate in eight months and six days. To some that may seem like a while ahead, but it really isn't. Time goes by in a flash...it's true. So in eight months and six days, I will be walking across the stage in Moody Coliseum, the same place where I graduated from high school, probably the same stage, hopefully with a job and a plan for the future. I'm excited, a little apprehensive, but trusting that God will guide my paths.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all you ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
In some translations it says, He will direct your paths...which is even more comforting.

Have a blessed day,
Jezz

Teas and chapel...

2005-08-31T09:06:00.000-05:00

A week of voluntary chapels...now, only if the floor of Moody could have waited to buckle any time between mid-October and mid November rather than the second week of school...oh well, at least they're getting the problem fixed. Until then, (which supposedly is Monday) chapel is voluntary, and credits will be given to all who are required to come...which means for me, early lunch and a better chance of getting a tuna sandwich with a side of celery and carrot sticks!

Social club rushing is well underway for this fall semester. Teas were on Sunday, and I must say I was very much impressed with the turn out. I am definitely way excited about this year's pledge class. I know it's going to be a wonderful group of girls added to Alpha Kai Omega. We had a ginormous turn out to our Hollywood rush on Monday night, which added to the mounting excitement...I can't wait!

So alot of people have been commenting on the upcoming "craziness" of the semester in sort-of doom and gloom terminology...but I say: why put so much extra anxiety and stress right now? I'm not saying it's not gonna get busy; let's be real... But instead, right now while there's not too much going on, enjoy your time. Keep on top of things right now and make a habit of it.
There's my partial time-management speech for the day...

"The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;"
- Lamentations 3: 25
That's enough for me...His is good.

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Sushi...

2005-08-29T08:29:00.000-05:00

I like sushi...

Be blessed today,
Jezz

btw...I took this picture with my phone at the Wok on Fire restaurant in Austin, Texas, on band tour last year. fun times, fun times.

I surrender to ...myspace...

2005-08-26T10:47:00.000-05:00

I finally gave in and got a myspace. I'll work on it sometime...www.myspace.com/gsusrulzme
more later...gotta go get some grub...
be blessed,
Jezz

Last firsts...

2005-08-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

*sigh* ACU...good old Abilene Christian University...
Today August 22, 2005, was my very last first day of the school year as an undergrad student...yes that's right, my senior year of college has officially begun. Although, I have yet to go to a class...that happens tomorrow. I sure can't believe it. Four years has gone by rather quickly...but I guess that's life.

Meanwhile...mulling over a few things in my head...we'll see what becomes of it.

Be blessed...more later,
Jezz

I heart burgers...

2005-08-04T08:44:00.000-05:00

Storm's Great Burgers in Lampasas, Texas, was just on the Food Network. That was probably the highlight of my morning. I love Storm's. It's so yummy. But since there is no Storm's here in Abilene, I like to fill my burger fancies with Larry's Better Burgers (cheap and yummy) and GW's Burgers. Good, old fashioned hamburger stand goodness. You really can't beat that. And...all this talk about burgers is making me mighty hungry. So, I bid thee good day until I update again. I'm off to eat some cereal! yay!
Be blessed,
Jezz

an update...omg...

2005-08-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

I know...I haven't updated in a while...give me a break...

I've been trucking along at my internship at Hendrick. After today, four more days to go...then I'll just have to finish some paper work and actually take the internship class to be done with it. It's nice to not have this hanging over my head anymore.

So here's what's been going on lately:

Nathan came up this weekend to visit. As usual we watched lots of movies and played board games. Spent some time with the married people (aka Curtis and Amanda) and didn't get much sleep, again as usual.
I've been back and forth fighting with lack of hours at American Eagle. It was pretty grim for a while - not many hours, especially for an employee who's been working there years longer than others. Then, a dramatic shift in events (namely Tax-Free Weekend...next weekend, ick) grants me the most hours next week and an oh-my-goodness crazy work schedule. I guess this summer I'll go out with a bang.
Band stuff...what can I say about band stuff. I have alot of it to do. I had a meeting with Dr. Wilson Friday afternoon just to start getting the ball rolling on some things. Ever since that meeting, the to-do lists have popped up again...lots of them.
Good news...Sonic is reserved for Monday night for all of you YBP-ers. I have some ideas for the rest of the nights, so we'll see what pans out.

Anyway...those probably aren't even the highlights of what's been going on...they're just what I can remember for now. Okay, so the first one is a highlight. All that to say, I'll be running around like a mad woman for the next few days until I can settle down again in...probably December. Back to work for now. Just remember to trust in the Lord in all things. He will make your path straight.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Everyday nothing...

2005-07-22T20:38:00.000-05:00

So today I was nearly splattered with bird poop on my way into the hospital. I heard the splatter on the concrete and saw the evidence on the ground, I was relieved it wasn't in my hair...

Meanwhile, I work on the sixth floor of hospital, but make frequent trips to the other lower floors. Patience tends to run low for the unreliable elevators that have minds of their own (especially the one with the cage...it's freak, especially when the light's off), so I sometimes take my trip down using the stairs. And, now, I've found myself using the stairs from the second to the sixth floor at least once a day when I'm at work. Ninety-six stinking stairs...what am I? Crazy? probably...it's tiring and whatnot. Maybe by the end of th esummer I'll have freakishly huge leg muscles; then I'd look funny. ha.

Okay, back to boring nothing land...
Have a blessed day,
Jezz

To understand...

2005-07-18T21:33:00.000-05:00

There are those things in life that we don't understand. Good, bad and in between, we, for some reason, cannot comprehend how and why things are the way they are. We stand in awe and wonder at all of it...I don't know how or why things in my life are the way they are, but I do know that God is good and He is in control. I am thankful for that. Without the assurance that God is God, life would be confusing, hopeless and sad. But I am blessed to live a life of peace, joy and blessings, because I know He is God, and He is good.

Yet still, I do not understand everything that happens in this life.

The bad: A friend of mine was killed last week. His life was taken by another human; he was murdered. And the timing, oh the timing. The circumstances surrounding his death add to the shock, disbelief and wonder of it all. But there's peace in my soul, because I know that one day I will see his face again in glory, in heaven. He is with His heavenly Father now. He was by no means perfect; none of us are. But he knew the One who holds the key to eternal life in paradise. He was God's child too. In that is hope; I will meet him again. Proof, that God is good.

The good: God has blessed me so richly in my life. He has given me a wonderful man to love and who loves me. I am thoroughly amazed at how God has made our relationship so blessed and so beautiful. I don't understand why or how He's done it, but I am thankful and know that God surely is good.

I pray that you find comfort in the goodness of the Lord. Taste and see that He is good. Search your heart to find the places where He has been so evidently good in your life, and thank Him. Understand and know that He is good and His mercy and love endures forever. That's all that matters. God is good.

Be blessed,
Jezz

These few weeks...

2005-07-16T22:22:00.000-05:00

Eventful few weeks...I'm sorry I haven't updated in quite a while...and I'm not going to right now either, I must confess. But I have learned: through it all, no matter what, God is good. That's all that matters. He is good, and His mercy endures forever.

Be blessed,
Jezz

yummy...

2005-06-23T21:59:00.000-05:00

mmm...kiwi and strawberries...yum yum

I finally wrote my letter to the new heads today. I got it done mainly because they needed the packets to mail by tomorrow. If only I can get the old head letter done now...soon enough, child, soon enough.

The internship is going well. I've had the opportunity to get my hands dirty on some neat projects and work with new programs, etc. I haven't made it to the hospital cafeteria yet, although I do know where it's at! It looks promising though. Have I mentioned that the hospital is ginormous, and I get lost quite easily. As I was coming back from lunch yesterday, a doctor asked me if I was lost...just because I passed by him and then turned right around because I passed by the elevators too doesn't mean I'm lost...just didn't see the elevators, or something like that. Working at a hospital is pretty interesting...like finding bathrooms; it's rather difficult. And then there's the whole being around sick people thing. Yesterday one of the ladies in the office didn't want to leave to go to the bathroom because there was a patient and a nurse outside with masks on. That means the patient is contagious...I don't blame her. Oh well...God takes care of us. He's good like that...it really is amazing.

Speaking of God being amazing...Nathan comes back in 3 days...yippee!!! You're probably wondering what that has to do with God being amazing, but I promise you, it has everything to do with that.

Anyway, I hope you have an amazingly blessed day. "Taste and see that the Lord is good." He really is...

Jezz

Intern...

2005-06-19T21:17:00.000-05:00

I got an internship working at Hendrick Medical Center in the Community Relations department for the rest of this summer. (woot!) yay, I can fully graduate in May with no worries of an internship to complete. I was surprised to see how much the department at Hendricks does in PR and advertising. It's gonna be fun...yay. and, it costs me all of about nothing...that's wonderful. Sure, I don't get paid, but I also, most likely, won't get any less hours at AE, I'm still in Abilene, and for lunch, I can go home, or pack a lunch with mommy and eat at her work...yippee. God always has a way of making things work out. And, what's more: even though it's a bit late in the summer to start an internship, it works out exactly that I will get my required hours by the time I have to be back for leadership workshops and whatnot and still be able to take a week off for camp. God truly does provide. It was an unexpected twist, definitely not in my plans. But what God has given me in this is incredible. And, I know that He's gonna bless me immensely through this. He closes doors to open others for us.

"'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

The comforting words of familiar scripture are resounding truth. Be glad today, and be blessed,
jezz

slacker...

2005-06-18T22:02:00.000-05:00

and then this one time, i realized that i was a big slacker in the whole updating your blog thing...if only i had more to say than this...maybe later?

be blessed,
jezz

yay baseball...

2005-06-13T08:59:00.000-05:00

VBS is over...lots of kids, kool-aid smiles, wild animal snacks (yummy) and the like are put away for the year. Until next year...then we will meet again.

Slated for tonight: Braves vs. Rangers at Ameriquest Field in Arlington...yippee! yay for baseball.

That's it for now, I think...I'm hungry and am in need of some breakfast. More later...maybe something deep and philosophical to turn those brain wheels. If not, don't hold it against me.

Be blessed...and remember, God really is bigger than the boogey man, and absolutely everything else.

Jezz

VBS...

2005-06-07T22:20:00.000-05:00

Vacation Bible School is upon me...I'm tired. more later...maybe...I make no guarantees.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Work in progress...

2005-06-03T21:57:00.000-05:00

Do you ever notice how music can draw out memories and emotions from times past? Or how with just listening to a song or a line, you're there, again, in that place...in the same atmosphere that you were? Maybe it's just me...but it's oddly nostalgic. It's kinda like when smells take you back. (But that's for another blog-time and another blog-place.)

As I write this, I sit listening to the cd of the UIL band contest music from my junior year of high school. (Yes, I am a band nerd. You don't have to tell me that.) Until I heard the opening notes of the second piece (the three on two chime pattern of La Fiesta Mexicana...ya, I know some of you know what I'm talking about.) , I hadn't thought of the music or that time in my life in years. Probably suppressed memories of sorts or something...or maybe not. Maybe it was just innocently forgotten. Either way, here I am, reflecting on life as it was then and life at is now. And, I must say: God has taken me such a long way. It's truly amazing. And, I don't just speak musically, although He has. I think of who I was and where I was and, more distinctly, who I was then. Certainly not the person I am now. By God's grace, I'm not the same person. And, In four or five years from now, I, hopefully, will not be the same person.

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6
He's still working, every day, to make you and I into the people that He wants us to be. And, He's not gonna stop until we see Him in glory. He hasn't given up, and He will never give up. That's comforting and exciting all at the same time!

I hope you have an amazing and wonderful day!
Be blessed,
Jezz

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. " - Philippians 1:9-11

A new way...

2005-05-26T20:37:00.000-05:00

Besides the annoyance of ad pop-ups and frequent boredom, today has been a good day. No rain today, as was forecasted...but last night, it just fell out of the sky...it was like a ginormous bucket of water with crushed ice (like ice from Sonic in proportion to the ginormous bucket) was dumped over select parts of Abilene. It was kinda cool. Today was pretty much uneventful aside from my interview at Hendrick Medical Center with their community relations for an internship. It went well...more later...

I think what's been weighing pretty heavily on my mind for about the past 15 minutes (okay, maybe a bit longer) is the changing character of my blog entries. When I first started this blog, life was very much different, and entries were a reflection of what was inside my little head, but not much of what was going on to spur on the thoughts, questions and revelations. Lately, it's been more of the outer circumstances, the "physical" happenings of my life. Now, I'm not saying that either is good or bad...but neither is complete. The former doesn't paint a complete picture. If you don't know what's going on in my life physically, then how does the spiritual and emotional aspect matter to anyone? But the latter doesn't give much insight into how I'm really and truly handling life's twists and turns...so here's my proposed solution that I will hopefully carry out. (It occurs to me now that many of you, if any of you, would really care about any of this. I'm surprised that you've actually followed my thought processes this far. But, if you do care, thanks for humoring me.) A full picture of both the physical and the emotional/spiritual together...because what does it matter to people if you offer solutions, but don't tell them the problems they'll solve; or if you only present questions and show the result of answers, but never tell them the answer or how to get to it?

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. " - Colossians 4:2-6

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Hibernation...

2005-05-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

So lately I've been sleeping around 10 hours every night. Before you judge...it hasn't been continuous sleep...just keep that in mind. No, instead I've been waking up randomly and, by the grace of God, falling back to sleep. I'm digging this sleep pattern though. I'm okay with it. I consider it catching up after the school year is over. On average, I only got about five hours of sleep every night...that's not very healthy in my book. So, you could kind of consider this as my "hibernation" period. I am the cuddly bear who, for the summer, likes to rest...alot. Give me a break, I do enough during the school year to make normal people (and myself at extreme points of weakness) have nervous breakdowns. So, give me my sleep, my bed, my pillow and my stuffed dog Rachi, and hear the rhythmic breathing of the fallen asleep! And when I rise, I will awake and refreshed. I'll run a mile or two, do some crunches and eat some protein. Then I am geared up for a day on the couch wil abc family...or a day shopping...or a day with my dog...or a day playing guitar...or a day doing whatever floats my boat or toots my flute!

Rest...it is absolutely priceless. Never take it for granted!

Be blessed,
Jezz

ADD...

2005-05-22T21:57:00.000-05:00

In the search for the old school Star Wars Trilogy boxed set...I have failed. The search shall continue tomorrow...frankly I just want to watch the old school ones so I can put some pieces together. We have episode I, but I can't bare to watch cute little Annikin, whom I just saw turn into ugly face head. Anyway...my legs hurt; I'm tired; and I want to take off my contacts. So, I'm cutting this entry short for lack of attention span...more later, of course.

Be blessed,
Jezz

There's a goal...

2005-05-19T22:18:00.000-05:00

So Wednesday night was fun...I nearly fell asleep during a Pillar concert (fyi...they're a Christian rock band.) Pillar, John Reuben, Dizmus and Burgundy Road was a long concert. Dizmus had one guy that would only scream those regurgitation screams every time he stepped up to the mic...don't worry, they all screamed regurgitation screams in Dizmus. John Reuben did the whole bring your arm straight up and raising it up and down with the beat of the music; you know, the whole white rapper, eminem type thing...but he did it so quickly, it was amazing. (I tried to do it, but I almost strained something...hehe.) I was slightly disappointed that Thousand Foot Krutch didn't exactly make it to the concert as they were supposed to...oh well, I didn't have to listen to "Rawkfist." Phew!

After doing some shopping and gardening on Thursday, I thought I would have a good night's sleep since I was exhausted, but...no! I went to bed at 11 p.m. and woke up around 1:56 a.m., tried to go back to sleep, but with no luck by 2:21 a.m., it was time for the Food Network. Anywho, I was up until about 4 a.m., then "napped" until 6:15 a.m. and went to work at 8 a.m. Such is life...I tried taking a nap this afternoon, but I couldn't go to sleep. Star Wars tonight...finally...at 9:35 p.m. Hopefully, I'll stay awake throughout the show. I don't think I'll have too much of a problem.

Well...Braves are playing the Bo Sox right now, so me and my new little stuffed dog Rachi (that's short for Rachmaninoff) are gonna, maybe, catch some shut eye...Until we meet again:

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:10-14

That's all that matters...the heavenly things. Life and all that is in it is about Jesus Christ. He is everything. What's behind doesn't matter; What's ahead is in His hands...work for Him; work toward Him. His arms are open wide.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Chewy...

2005-05-18T09:52:00.000-05:00

Chewbacca was on Regis and Kelly yesterday morning...what a wookie. Apparently he has a wife named Malla and a son named Lumpy. Who knew? Way excited to see him on the big screen sometime this week! Woo hoo!

The grandparents barbecued...so it looks like I have lunch. yippee! Food calls, more later.

Be blessed,
Jezz

one a day...

2005-05-16T17:04:00.000-05:00

I've decided to learn how to play all facets of guitar in the next hour...and to update this thing at least once a day again...my fingers hurt.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Strength in weakness...

2005-05-15T22:20:00.000-05:00

I've cried until I felt like my heart could explode - until there's absolutely nothing left in me, even unto the depths of my being. You say he's leaving only for six weeks...nothing more, nothing less. But for me, part of me is leaving with him - a part that I cherish beyond so much else in this world - and I don't get to have that part of me for what seems a very long time. That breaks my heart. I've never been one to really cry, but these tears keep flowing, more than I count, flooding my soul. Even now, I miss him more than I have ever known...and I know alot about missing people.

I'm trying so hard to be strong, please understand that. My strength is not my own though, and you should know that by now - that I draw from a source far deeper and wider and more powerful than anything I could ever conjure up.

And here it is:
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

All that I cling to, I lay at His feet...six weeks will come and go.

And if you have no sympathy or simply feel like what I am saying is in no way genuine, authentic, real or relevant and is a waste of your time, then this post was not for you. No remorse from me though; you won't get any. Because, you see, this is the depths of my soul. This is how I feel. This is how my heart aches. This is what is affecting me here and now. This is what is deep within me. And, if this doesn't interest you, then stop reading. This is all I have. This is me.

Be blessed,
Jezz

one last final...

2005-05-05T15:39:00.000-05:00

Awaiting the onslaught of my last final, yay for PR Writing...not really, I'm not the most enthusiastic child about Dave's classes. (If you don't know what or who I'm talking about, don't worry about it. Let's just say, it's not my favorite class or professor.) So, once this is done...IT'S OVER!!!

anyway...I'd better study...more later.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Five months, hooray...

2005-05-04T13:50:00.000-05:00

Post number two for today...I'm catching up on the weeks of zero posts :)

I'm still working on learning guitar. I just can't seem to get passed any key other than G. Good news though, the keys (did I just say that? that's so 80s. I might as well buy a key-tar, yes!) are still comin' on strong, and in some circles, I'm considered pretty decent on bass...whatever.

I'm intent on doing whatever God has for me in my life...and, honestly, I don't know where that's gonna take me. There are so many things that I want to do, that I could do, but what am I supposed to do? What is it that He has set aside specifically for me? I wonder that, alot...But, I trust that He'll show me in His time. I just have to prepare myself for whatever He may bring my way.

btw...happy five-month, Nathan!

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Semester 6 = finished...

2005-05-04T08:50:00.001-05:00

Ya, I know it's been a while...what can I say? It's the end of the semester, and, at this moment, facebook is distracting me...it's taking away all my attention that was due to the bloggity blog blog and putting it on itself! Bad facebook...

As I mentioned, it is the end of another semester here at Abilene Christian University. Six down, two to go. I can't believe it. Is it really almost over? Am I really a senior (of course, I have to pass all my classes, actually just one credit hour, from this semester to be a senior. But we all know how meticulous I am about my grades...so ya)? I guess so...it's been a great ride so far. Classes were good this semester. It was probably the hardest semester yet, but I guess that's what you've gotta expect for upper-level classes and whatnot. Just wait until next year...(evil laughter)...

So, trying to work out the logistics of this summer have been somewhat of a mess. With more than half of my finals behind me, I still don't know if I'm staying in town or hitting the road for an internship. Granted, I'll know by the end of the week, but, man, that just seems like it's cutting it close. And, if I do go, I feel so unprepared right now. But, the Lord will provide. I know that God has this whole summer planned out for me. He knows exactly where I'm going, what I'm doing and how I'm getting there. So here's where I stop worrying and start trusting...answers will come in due time.

As this semester comes to close, I bid you all happy trails...until we meet again.

Be blessed in all you do,
Jezz

Another one passes by...

2005-04-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

With one more week left in the semester...I'm swamped. Projects and presentations in every class have taken over my life. But, this too shall pass...

Internship prospects have been narrowed down and one will possibly come through...yay. I have an interview with the Gospel Music Association as an intern working with registration and other aspects of the Music in the Rockies festival/event thingy July 31 through August 6. Definitely cutting it close for band stuff and whatnot...since I'm kinda required to be back in town for drum major stuff (granted that I'm drum major again next year) on the 8th. The internship will last through the whole summer...kinda cool, kinda bummed...I'll be honest.

"Why bummed?" you ask. Well...you see, I'll be missing several weddings that I really wanted to go to, TJ's graduation, I'll probably have to see Star Wars in the theater by myself, definitely won't be able to go to Discovery Camp with the 180 kiddos, three months away is just a long time, and I won't be there to welcome back my Nathan when he comes home from Germany...and I won't see him for another month and a half after he's back in the country. That's rough. But, that too shall pass. I'll see him in due time...and God will bless our time apart, and it'll be more than okay.

I know if I get the internship, it'll be good for me. I'll spend a bit of time away (which, btw, please be praying for me that I can find a good, cheap place to stay in Nashville. And, if you know of anywhere that I could say, please let me know!) and be on my own for a while...that's good for me.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
And it goes on to say "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:37-39

There's always comfort in knowing that God has things taken care of...that His will will be manifested in our lives and through our lives. What's to worry about? He makes all things beautiful in His time. He's our strength in our weakness, deliverer in our bondage, provider in our need, healer in our sickness, friend in our lonliness...our everything in our every want. He is all.

Be blessed today in the Lord,
Jezz

Trust...

2005-04-18T13:59:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when you think you're at your lowest and circumstances have gotten you way down...that's when you have to trust the most.
Today has been one of those days...little things have seen to pour out on me, creating one pile of mess. And, to be honest, I really don't know where to go from here. I, myself, cannot do a single thing anymore. My efforts are all useless and in vain. I alone cannot accomplish anything...
But by the grace of God, I trust that He will do exceedingly, abundantly above all I can ask or imagine. He never ceases to amaze me, and I don't think He'll slack off on me now...

So today, I will trust. Tomorrow I will see that He did come through...He is God.

Be blessed,
Jezz

Perfect peace...

2005-04-12T08:37:00.000-05:00

So who knew Darby "the Darbster" Hewitt was in the Fall 2004 issue of the ACU Today...really, he's there on page 26...that little stud...

And, life's been pretty hectic lately...or at least the past couple of days. It's one of those weeks where everything just seems to pile up all at the same time (or in this case, the same 48-hour span). And, it's not that I haven't had one of these experiences before; I've actually endured them many times before. It's just that I haven't had very much stress weighing down on me lately, so to have it all come at once makes it really tough...
Not to mention, I'm pretty much infamous for trying to take it all on at once, to be "Supergirl," so to speak. I fly around here and there, never staying long enough to see the rest of the story unfold, just long enough to do my part and leave. "Don't worry. I can take care of it. No, I don't need any help. Yes, I can have it done by then. It's not a problem." - my infamous words..."I can do it on my own." Mainly not to let others worry about it....but what I do instead, especially in times like these, is begin to worry myself. I anguish and stress about it all...all on my own...and normally, I don't want you to know about it..."I can do it myself."

But...I can't. And it usually takes that time of "too much" for me to realize it. So last night as I distractedly worked on scriptures for students, on blessings given to students by faculty members - those who are older, wiser and more knowledgeable in the ways of life and of the Lord - to encourage students and prepare them for life, I didn't even notice the call to action in those scriptures. The word of God was screaming at me, right in between my eyes, but I never noticed; I never thought twice about it...until last night, until I couldn't think anymore, until the confusion of anxiety plagued at every waking thought, when every breath was heavier than the one before...He reminded me:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

Oh how we forget sometimes. How life tends to take a hold of us and throw us around, and we forget that we're grounded in a God that's greater than all of these...and, we don't have to be thrown around. We can stand firm in the middle of the storm and walk on...unshaken, undisturbed, and through the torrential winds of the storm, every hair in its perfect place. That's how firm and steady we can be in Christ. Instead of flailing in the wind, we simply work diligently to accomplish all that is in front of us, to take each step in faith and work as unto the Lord and not to men.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in You." - Isaiah 26:3

Be blessed,
Jezz

I like Raisinets...

2005-04-01T08:19:00.000-06:00

Yay it's Friday! But, then again, I'm working for 11 hours today...so is there really that much reason to celebrate the weekend, since it most likely will not begin until Saturday...and then my Sunday afternoon/night routine of doing my Ad Creativity and Copywriting (ahhhhh scary) homework will commence soon thereafter.

Anyway...the intensive search for an internship has begun...yay for e-mailing random companies. FYI: a 160-hour academic internship is required for my degree in order for me to graduate. Therfore, no internship = no degree...ouch. I sent five shot-in-the-dark inquiries to random companies in the Christian music industry this morning. We'll see...in good timing, it will come.

Meanwhile...I'll pop my Raisinets, chug my Dole 100% orange juice and work my little tail off.

btw...go to www.theeverglow.com weeee! yay for mae and the fun games!

YAY!!! so i just got an e-mail back from one of my shot-in-the-dark inquiries!!! Does that mean I have to listen to Kids in the Way now? I think it's time for some celebratory Monk and Neagle.

Be blessed today,
Jezz

In trials...

2005-03-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4

It's a passage that I tend to fall upon often. It's a hard one to grasp; it's not all fluff. It's in James, and that's what you'd expect, I guess. But it has meant so much to me. I see it at work all the time. It's one of the many great truths of the Word of God. And, for some reason, it's pointed out to me everywhere...in my life and in the lives of others.

I know it's hard to find joy in the midst of trials, but it's so amazing to think of what's on the other side of it. It's making you stronger; it brings perseverance or patience, as it is sometimes translated. And, it's working to complete you; you're being put under the fire, refined like silver, so that you may one day be just like Christ...He's creating you in His image, and this is part of that process...

So even when it seems so tough...consider it pure joy...and have faith to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Sidenote: Easter weekend went well...very relaxing and productive at the same time. And...it even snowed on Easter morning (like around midnight to the wee small hours of the morning)! It's amazing how it can snow one morning and then next day it's 80 degrees...I kinda like that weather...

Springtime...

2005-03-26T22:53:00.000-06:00

It's springtime...
okay, so last year I posted "it's springtime" in lamentation of the ACU-springtime-let's-find-significant-others-or-I'm-so-in-love craze. This year, I post it as one of the crazed, I'm-so-in-love people. But, don't stop reading there just yet...please read on...

You see, I say "in love" in reference to so much more than just Nathan - who, by the way, I love so much that there really isn't enough room for me to even begin to describe how amazing he is - but life in its abundance as given to me by the Most High God.
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:10b
It's so amazing what God does to bless us...to give us life.
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." - Matthew 10:39

Have a blessed day and an amazing Easter as we celebrate God's incredible love and sacrifice for us.

Jezz

disclaimer...

2005-03-13T15:34:00.000-06:00

ok...so i'm not exactly sure where that random links on my last two entries came from...apparently certain catch phrases were linked to some retarded sites...i apologize...hopefully it doesn't happen again, 'cause it's just annoying

whatever...i hate stupid internet shinanigans...

Spring Break 2005...

2005-03-09T22:35:00.000-06:00

So why is it that when you know a song (or even if you don't) you have the urge to sing along with it...especially in the car? I know there's probably a good (most likely scientific) reason, but, to be honest, I really don't want to know. I was just throwing that out there for you to think about because I sure did not too long ago...as Tark, Amanda (a.k.a. wifey) and I sang along as we rode down the stretch of I-25 between Denver and Fort Collins...it was fun.

Oh ya...btw...I'm joining you tonight from Colorado...more specific, Fort Collins, Colo., home of Tark. weee!!! Surrounded by beautiful nature and little lanes on the side of the road reserved for bikes, us girls have found solice in contributing to American capitalism...SHOPPING! yes...it's so exciting! We've discovered the disillusionment of taking a stroll in downtown U.S.A. where high-end boutiques and knick knack stores abound...after a while, a $48 pair of jeans looks reasonable compared to the $218 pair we saw yesterday, and then we realize that we don't have $48 to spend on a pair of jeans. More specifically, I remembered why I shop at the mall and other department/discount stores where clothes are reasonably affordable yet still fashionable. Needless to say, we've all spent our penny's worth...that's all I wish to say. We're looking forward to the all-day sleep over party thing tomorrow...we've decided it's in our best interest (and our wallets) to stick around at home, catch some movies on the boob tube and color all the demented pictures in all four Jumbo Fun To Colors...yes!

Back to Abilene on Saturday, church Sunday and then back to the homework routine...this week: billboard ad for Tabasco to be placed on I-35 in Austin...any ideas? Whatever...

Hope you have a wonderfully blessed day in the Lord for He is truly great! I can't tell you that enough...and I encourage you to "taste and see that the Lord is good."

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
As much as I quote that verse, I implore you to try Him and see if that's not true. Because it is...if we could all just grab a hold of the goodness of God...Be blessed,

Jezz

Mail Merge works...

2005-02-28T08:34:00.001-06:00

Home from Amarillo...it's good to be back in Abilene.
Although, I must say, the trip to the smelliest city in Texas (actually, that's pretty debatable. You'd be surprised at how any cities in Texas reek...and in so many different ways. i.e. Midland/Odessa...very different smell from the cow patty-swine-odor aroma of Amarillo) was quite enjoyable.
Schedule of events: Kohl's, Youth Rally, food, massive game of Halo 2 - Slayer, That Thing You Do/being retarded, sleep (yay for taking over TJ's sleeping quarters), wake up, Krispy Kreme, Drive, Crusty Burgers in Post, Abilene...yay!

And now that the weekend is behind me, the week before Spring Break (a.k.a. midterm week from the bad place) has commenced. With two tests on Monday, a presentation and a project due on Tuesday, another test on Wednesday, two more tests on Thursday, work-class-work-wedding (hopefully, provided that I can get someone to cover me at work #2), I'll definitely need some good ol' fashioned time management...and sleep. I managed to get some last night with the sacrifice of study time. I figure it's good for me to get these tests done now instead of having to wait until after Spring Break. I can rest through Spring Break and not worry about school...except for that one billboard project I have to do...not worried though.

The summer outlook is on hold until I find out if I get an internship or not. Since I'm graduating next May, I need to get one taken care of this summer, or else I won't exactly receive my degree from ACU until that's done.

It's test time!

"You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you." - Isaiah 26:3

Be blessed,
Jezz

By the way...the title has nothing to do with this entry...

In response...

2005-02-26T02:16:00.000-06:00

"I can't see the plans of forever or know each moment called now. The stories of my life are read in time..."

"If time is a line, You are the whole page. So speak each destiny into its proper day. I will dance on the lines and run the white space trail to follow the lead of my role in the Master's tale."

To live my role in the Master's tale all the days of my life...

Be blessed,
Jezz

That was not a pretty sight...

2005-02-25T08:53:00.000-06:00

So there's this white Montero Sport parked in the faculty/staff parking lot by the Margaret and Herman Brown Library this morning. Normally, I wouldn't mind the car. I wouldn't notice it. No, I would just walk by. But, this morning I saw something...something henious...
The car not only had an OU sticker on it (normally, I would have fleeting moment of "eh, just what the world needs, another OU fan" disgust...but, in addition, it had on the other side of the back windshield...a Mac sticker. So...you can basically write it up that I could never be seen in that car. Needless to say, I was appalled.
or whatever...

Anyway, my academic advisor told me that I had to quit band in order to take a required publication design class whose lab is at the same time as band three days a week. I was a little perturbed. Hopefully I'll be able to tweak things enough to where I can still take pub design and be in band...I can't quit band...not now...
On the bright side, things are looking up for graduating in May. I need 29 more hours after this semester to graduate, and they're all going to fit in my schedule. So...yippee! I guess now I have to figure out what I'm gonna do for the rest of my life in the "real world." Not sure if I'm ready for it yet...but, hopefully in a year I will be...

Off to Amarillo this weekend to see the clucks...be back Saturday night. Then it's off to work locking myself up in the WPAC computer lab editing audio...and on a Saturday night! man...such a loser or something.

Next week: midterms in every class, projects, presentations, work...at both places, and maybe word on an internship for this summer...we'll see.

Be blessed!
Jezz