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