Celebrate...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

I like crop marks and bleeds...

Violet Crumble...

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...

Wes Greer on Facebook...lol...

Life really is good...

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...

"...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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

*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...

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...

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Be blessed,
Jezz

Work in progress...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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

Coutdown and life...

The countdown is over! Happy Birthday, Teej...it's about time you almost caught up with the rest of us...

It's amazing what can happen in two years...how life can take a turn here and there and put you in a place that you could have never imagined. I say "life" takes you places, but I really mean God since it is in fact His divine plan, purpose and will that gives us direction in this life. We're right where He needs us to be right now...in that perfect spot that He's designed so that He can mold us and set us on our way on the path that leads us to Him. After all:
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." - Psalm 37:23
There's blessed assurance in that: to know that where I am today, as uncertain as the future looks right now and as stressful as everything seems to be, is right in the perfect design of God. Does that mean that I'm perfect?...of course not! It means that where I am - as long as I place my trust in Him that every moment of every day is devoted to Him, delighting in His ways and seeking Him out with all of my heart - is where He has designed me to be.

I wouldn't trade where I'm at right now for the world. I have been immensely blessed so very much...it's almost overwhelming to think about it. There's no room for dissatisfaction or complaining. To learn to be content in all things...Praise God from whom all blessings flow...

Be blessed,
Jezz

B- to the -enadryl...

::Cannot operate motor vehicles or heavy machinery::
I can't really even type properly to be honest...ya, most definitely under the influence of Benadryl. On the bright side, my sinus/allergy junk has cleared for the time being. I think being on Benadryl is probably one of the oddest sensations ever. I need coffee...or a nap.

I figured out yesterday that I can indeed graduate on time in May 2006. The only thing is: I don't necessarily want to graduate in May. But, the more I think about it, the more excited about it...as long as everything works out. That would mean taking a Maymester class before leaving for an internship in the summer. This shall prove to be pretty costly...but I know the Lord will provide. He always does, no matter what circumstance.

"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

That pretty much sums it up. It's amazing what speaking the truth of the word of God can do in your life.

Be blessed today and always,
Jezz

Childlike...

So, lately I've had this horrible trend of injuring myself while getting dressed...how bizarre is that? About two weeks ago I scratched my forehead with my thumbnail while changing shirts. And, no, it wasn't one of those little scratches are practically naked to every other human eye but your own...nope, it was big enough to look like a serious injury, even to the point where anyone around me had to ask, "Jesiree, what happened to your forehead?" At this moment I probably should have made up a really cool story how i hit my head while rock climbing, or I fell off my longboard, or how I knicked my forehead on a stalactite while spelunking in Norway (surely, there's a cave in Norway), something...anything. But, no. I had to be honest didn't I? I basically told the story of how I scraped of huge piece of my forehead while changing my shirt at least 20 times. And now I have a scar on my forehead right underneath the part in my hair so that it's never covered up...how convenient.

But wait! there's more...last night I managed to make my nose bleed while changing into my pajamas. I don't think this incident was entirely directly related to the changing-of-the-clothes, but, man, did it really have to happen. Thankfully enough I was able to thoroughly clean my "Celebrating 80 years of TMEA" T-shirt. Along with that, I have an ugly scratch on my index finger from scraping it in my drawer. I think I was trying to pull out socks...what can I say?

I remind myself more and more of kindergartener as I get older. With trends like difficulty getting myself dressed, being very easily amused, liking paste (but, don't worry, I don't eat it), my newly restored love for coloring books and many other embarrassing things, I really can't deny it. But, hey...maybe along with this I will be blessed with the never waivering childlike faith.

Be blessed today,
Jezz

What a week or so will do...

Wow, it's been a while. I apologize...

Tour was incredible...however, there are no words that can adequately describe how well the TMEA performance went and how good it felt to walk off that stage knowing I was just a part of something extraordinary. (For more information, contact me...man, I've been writing too many news releases lately.)

I managed to spend a pretty penny at the Rivercenter Mall as well. Hey, I was in San Anontio on the Riverwalk and had money...need I say more. And, for those of you who will appreciate this: I bought a purple moose...it was so exciting! (Teej, you'll have to get yourself one...seriously) Anyway, I (and the rest of the ACU Wind Ensemble) was pretty much spoiled the whole week of tour by anyone and everyone...namely ACU alumni. Not to mention, the food allowance that was more than enough for the three meals we had to pay for and we ate free, hot and yummy (buffet-style) breakfasts at the hotel. And, the amazing compliments that have been pouring in from every direction about our TMEA performance are astounding. It's amazing what will happen when you let God in and allow Him to take control.

But then it was back to reality: Sing Song, catching up on sleep and classes and just life in general decided to hit me between the eyes...especially this morning. BUT, that really didn't settle in until after having a fantastic Valentine's Day. Nathan and I went out on Saturday night (after we both frantically shopped Saturday afternoon for each other...). And, Monday we went to class, chapel, lunch, class again...then, I made him dinner at home (Easy Mac, yes!), had some cheesecake and did some homework...I wouldn't have had it any other way. (honestly...okay, maybe without the homework.) So, thanks again, Nate, for an awesome day! Love you :)

So, I've just had to remind myself this morning of the unsurpassable greatness of the Lord, the One who truly does esceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or imagine (TMEA is proof). And, the firm foundation of the word of God speaks truth and life into this soul that's yearning for a fresh breath of life, a new sight of truth, peace, hope and faith in knowing that God is in control. I've found that speaking the word...the living word of God...is powerful because it is true. There is no denying...and, in Him will I put my trust.

" Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

"If the LORD delights in a man's way,
he makes his steps firm;
though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand." - Psalm 37:23-24

Be blessed today in all you do,
Jezz

Lloyd...congrats to having snazzy clothes for Sunday!

Tour time...

Sometimes it's hard for me to let go of things, to surrender control and just let God deal with them. I've realized that fact much more recently, as well. He's showing me that there are some things I cannot handle by myself, as much as I think I can...I can't, not without Him.
Things just get more and more amazing each day, despite the struggles and bumps here and there. What are they compared to eternity anyway? So, why should I let them get in the way of finding joy in every precious and blessed moment given to me?

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6

In the meantime: I worked a luncheon today...the honored guest was the President of Madagascar (that's super cool). And, since there was a head of state there, of course, there were secret service people...yes! That was really cool. I not only got to see them, but I talked to them too. I helped them guard the green curtain of no entry, which happened to be the site where I "played" a game of peekaboo with Dr. Money. Okay, actually he just stuck his head out of the curtain and kinda surprised me...it was humorous, you had to be there.

Randomness time! I like Target's little boys section...you can find some pretty sweet deals on some snazzy clothes.

Leaving for band tour tomorrow afternoon...yes! Austin and San Antonio (for TMEA convention, yippee) here I come!!!

Be blessed...and see you in a week,

Jezz

Btw...Nathan, you rock my face off! I am so incredibly blessed to have you in my life. love you! And, July 12, 2008 sounds great to me. It'll be wonderful!

Losers...

So yesterday Tracy and I were contemplating the more meaningful things in life* and discovered that we are, in fact, losers. And, here's why:
Okay, actually, here's some background information first.

Tracy and I are juniors at Abilene Christian University. We're members of the women's social club Alpha Kai Omega and the ACU Wind Ensemble. We also serve as officers in the Big Purple Band. And, that's basically enough background info...now back to the "here's why:

1. Last night Tracy and I went to visitation night...at Mabee...a freshman boys (fine, men, if you want to use correct AP style since most of them are over 18) residence hall. Recall from the background info: we're juniors.
2. Did I mention we went to visitation to see our boyfriends...guess not, well, we did. (Okay, guys, it's not like we're embarrassed of us dating freshman, 'cause we're not, we just find it rather humorous in that oh-my-gosh-I-can't-believe-this-is-actually -happening-we're-dating-freshman-guys-but-how-could-we-not-love -them-anyway sort of way. And, you guys make fun of us for being "old" anyway.)
   
3. We will be going on band tour next week to Austin and San Antonio. We plan on practicing Sing Song stuff while we're there...I can't believe I just admitted that...
4. We're usually the oldest people sitting at our lunch table.
5. When shopping together, we need the other to tell us that we shouldn't buy something because we have no money...
6. We kind of like eating at the Bean.
7. Oh yeah, remember visitation night? We watched a PBS documentary called The Natural History of the Chicken on the love seat in Nathan's room...four of us, on one love seat...it's a good thing we're all close.
8. Before the chicken documentary, we spent some time flipping through 801 pages of bridal bliss at Tracy's...with our boyfriends. BUT, it's okay because the magazine didn't belong to either of us. It's okay as long as the magazines aren't yours...
9. Doughnuts with icing and little round sprinkles speak to us in the Fatted Cafe. They say, "eat me! eat me!" We must resist.
10. Random noise number 73 and the raptor imitations...

And now that my self-esteem has hit an all-time low (not really), I think I'll quit with the reasons why...but you get the picture. I could probably add more, but I won't. And despite all the loser-ishness of it all, I wouldn't trade it for the world! So, thanks Tracy (and Nathan and Ben).

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." - Philemon 1:7

Be blessed,
Jezz

*We weren't actually contemplating the more meaningful things in life...

Reminders...

And you don't understand why I have to say no for now/'Cause you think that my answer will last for today and forever/And I know that it's hard and I know that you think I forgot/But please hear my sweet voice and know that I'm here beside you//And see beyond the tears and despair/And know that I'm always right here for you care//'Cause I see past all you see/And I know much more than you'll ever know/Have faith, rise up, no fear/you don't have to worry, take courage, I am here/Just hold my hand, you'll see/My child, that's what my love is for//And I know that sometimes it's so hard to go on/When all that you've known and plans that you've had are gone/Be reminded of this: you heart and your home's with me/So now matter what comes, what blows by your way, be strong//
My child, that's what my love is for...to hold on to when all else is gone/to prove to you that I am strong...

I guess sometimes I need reminding...

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Dr Pepper, you're a part of me...

So, this is what sleep deprivation feels like...
I don't know if I could have prevented my late-night homework time, but nevertheless, it did happen. I am pleased to announce that I did, however, finish my digital audio studio design...but, to be quite honest, I still am not exactly sure how it all works. I guess we'll see. Aside from giving myself awful muscle cramps last night from stretching while I was asleep, the little sleep that I did get was rather pleasant...dreaming of TRS cables, control surfaces with USB connections and wondering if I really needed Mackie studio monitors, well, I'm not sure if that was "pleasant." By brain was definitely working on overtime last night, and now it's pretty much fried. Hopefully I'll get through my classes today though. I still have to present my studio and explain it to the class today; that should be fun... It's times like these when I thank God for caffiene and Dr Pepper; it is a blessing.

Yay for my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirt! I'm not thinking very clearly anymore, so I'm just gonna end it right here for now. Something more coherent and meaningful is soon to come!

Be blessed in the Lord today,
Jezz

Thankful...

Today I am thankful for:

• pocket tissues
• cold and sinus medicine that makes you oblivious to everything around you,
• free bottled water
• oranges that don't match
• glasses to wear when your eyes won't let you stick your finger in them to place a foreign object (although, I do miss my contacts)
• milk and cereal bars, warm fleece hoodies
• inspiring music, including the music of Billy Joel...thanks Nathan!
  
• Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages
• and the Great Physician, God Almighty, Jehovah Jireh-the Lord will provide, who takes care of every need

Be blessed today...and be thankful!
Jezz

"God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding." - Job 37:5

Simply put...

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." - Psalm 28:7

May that be the anthem of my life...

Be blessed today,
Jezz

Decisions, decisions...

Saturday February 12, 2005: do I go to Dallas to see Relient K, Mae and someone else? or do I go to Lubbock to Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns? man...that's a tough decision, especially since the day before/that morning is Moody Weekend. But, in theory, I can go to both concerts with plenty of time to spare. I just don't know if I'll get sleep. I can't pass any of these opportunities up. Do you know how excited I was to find out that Mae and Relient K were touring together? It's almost like a dream come true...it's beautiful! omg...I'll keep you posted on that one...

Speaking of decisions...I made the decision this week to end my tenure as a sales associate at American Eagle Outfitters. It was a pretty tough decision, but this is what needs to happen. I have a peace about it, and for that I am grateful. I know that my time there was blessed, and I have enjoyed working there. I will most definitely miss the people...but when it's time to move one...it's time. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me after this. I know that He will have beautiful and wonderful things come out of this decision.

"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
I know I quote that verse often...but it is true...and it is a sure foundation to lean on. The promises of the Lord are true and forever.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4

The Lord is truly wonderful.

Be blessed in all you do today,
Jezz

Abundant blessings...

Yes, Jesiree, you agreed to do Sing Song this year…omg…so, the first Sing Song rehearsal was last night. I’m way excited about our music! Aside from the late-night rehearsals that may take away from my homework time and, more importantly, my sleep time (wait, they already have), it’ll turn out to be an enjoyable and memorable experience, provided that the Lord get me through it.

The first week of school is not even over yet…and I almost had one of my oh-my-gosh-I-have-way-too-much-on-my-plate-right-now-I-can’t-handle-this breakdowns; that was the second day of school. Strength and endurance are two things I’m definitely going to need this semester, but I know the Lord will provide. I was reminded that through it all, He is there. He is our strength, our fortress, our comfort:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." - 2 Corinthians 1:3
And, even more so, He has made us to overcome these obstacles, struggles, tests…hard times.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” – Romans 8:37 In that there is hope; there is a renewed vigor to keep pressing on. He will see me through.

His blessings and goodness are in abundance around me. I cannot deny the awesomeness of the Lord and His everlasting care and provision for me. And, it’s funny; the song tells you to “count your blessings,” to “name them one by one,” but honestly, I can’t exactly name all of them one by one, because He has done so much. That includes some things that are far beyond my grasp. I can’t fully comprehend everything that the Lord is doing in my life (if I did, that wouldn’t make Him God…), but I know that He is working. And, that is a comfort and a joy beyond all measure.

Be blessed today in all you do,

Jezz

Beowulf revisited...

From the archives de diaryland...definitely one of my favorites. A real update will come later...I promise!

2004-01-16 - 9:55 a.m.

You would think with a name like "Beowulf" that he'd be the ugly monster that was killed by the beautifully handsome (would that be like a guilded lily?) hero in the Middle ages... But no, It was a name a creature with the name of Grendel that was subject the scrutiny of the community Beowulf protected. I imagine Grendel looked hideous, being a mixture of maybe that really ugly monster at the end of the technology/alien planet type level of Contra one (yes, the old school Nintendo version) and Trogdor the Burninator...not saying that Trogdor is ugly, but he is a dragon...Would the name Grendel scare you? It wouldn't scare me...I don't think it would at least. But, maybe if I lived in that magical/mythical community, I too would be terrified of the monster known as Grendel...

I'm sorry. I don't know why I did that. But, it was fun!

By the way, I'm still working on my Trogdor illustrations...it's coming along quite nicely actually. As for guitar and bass, yes, still picking away (but not on bass of course because I don't use a pick...

Have a great day!

Jezz

Heels and squeals...

The first day of my sixth semester at Abilene Christian University...it's great to be back. I admit, I was a bit lonely/bored here all alone in Abilene for the Christmas break month...it seemed like forever. But, forever is over. Yes!

So, after realizing that parking at the WPAC was a mistake (night class ending at 9:30 across campus in the Don Morris building of doom) and it being too late to park elsewhere especially with the new dorm going up and whatnot, I took the "long way" over to the Vanderpool building aka work which is also across campus. (I've decided that I intentionally park far from everything because I realize that it's the only way I'll get some form of exercise.) Walking across campus at ACU is just something else (especially on the first day of the semester). I was reminded of something that makes up much of the "ACU difference:" the sounds of heels and squeals of ACU females (okay, so maybe it doesn't...and, of course, does not apply to all ACU females...it's a stereotype, and I know it...) Meanwhile...I pitter-pattered along with my pastel pink bowling-esque shoes...hehe...I'm gonna stop right there.

Moving on...Band boot camp from the bad place (thanks Tark for the title) is now officially over. To be honest, it really wasn't from the bad place. I actually enjoyed it. Being herded from place to place for 12 hours a day and being fed so much until I felt like I had to unbutton the top of my jeans was a great experience...rehearsals were productive too. It's amazing what five days can do.

Randomness from the first day of classes::this is the first semester of me being in college without the brother::Spanish class in all spanish is a bit freaky::Yes, I already have homework::I've missed the Fat Cow::oh Steven Moore praise days...::I love ACU::

It'll be a blessed semester...God's good like that. He always takes care and provides His purpose and guidance in all that we do...no matter how miniscule and insignificant we think it may be. He is, after all, the God of EVERYTHING...blessed be the name of the Lord!!!

" 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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Be blessed today in all you do,
Jezz

Bread...

I am the new owner of the best of bread cd...and I must say, I am uberexcited! It's like taking a trip down memory lane. I can still see the white and seafoam green tape with these same songs. It played regularly in my childhood; my dad's a big fan. Bread...they're grand...

So, band stuff starts tomorrow. I'm definitely ready for it all to begin again. I'm excited to see what the Lord has for this semester. I know that it will be more than I can ever imagine...He's a good God like that.

Off to listen to some more good oldies...as well as my new Monk and Neagle cd. It too is grand :)

Be blessed today,
Jezz