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