Coffee Date

If we were to go on  a coffee date right now, this is what I would tell you.

I'm getting really excited... and stressed.
For a couple of weeks now I've been praying and praying about taking an opportunity... a big one. I found out that through YWAM (Youth With A Mission) there is a Discipleship Training School in Las Vegas that is specifically focused on the abolition of human trafficking. It's 6 months long, spending 3 months in Vegas and 3 months in either Nepal, India or Thailand. The moment I found it I wanted to go. I mean, is there a more perfect thing for me to do?! NO! So, as is usually the case I got way too excited about the possibility before I prayed about it. I should work on praying first, I mean seriously... I should. But either way, I DID pray about it. I talked to my parents and I got the first part of my application in. My mom encouraged my to "put out the fleece, ask God to answer you." I always feel like me putting the fleece out is proving that I'm doubtful. I just have a hard time doing it, even though I know that it is a perfectly acceptable way for me to communicate with Him. Eventually, I caved and I put out the fleece... so to speak (Though I did almost grab a fleece blanket and put it in the yard... I think that would have been a bit too literal). So far, all signs point to YES. Thus my excitement. I'm working on getting my 3 references, my Dr's papers and consent forms in as soon as I possibly can!

Here is the stressful part. I WOULD LEAVE IN AUGUST! The school starts in exactly 4 months and 4 days. Intense. I have $8,500 to raise. Not all of it is due upon arrival... but I would like to get as much as I can before I leave the state. I'm planning on getting a second job... maybe a third. I'm hoping to do some fundraisers and I am excited for those. Would you all keep me in your prayers?!
Prayer requests:

• That I not go crazy trying to work for most of my funds.
• That I would allow God to move and take control of the situation.
• That I will learn what I need to be effective on the front of rescue and restoration in human trafficking.
• That God will grab the hearts of men, women and children throughout Vegas and whichever country my team will end up going to (Thailand, Nepal or India) and that I can be a part of His movements. 
• For the funds to come in. It's allot of money, but I trust the Lord and your prayers are a comfort.

I'm really excited about this possibility. If you are willing to pray for/with me over this school and the things I have listed - Will you please leave a comment below, send me an e-mail or connect with me on Facebook letting me know that you are joining me in prayer? Thank you. 

Right about now is when I would wish I could get a free refill of coffee and listen to you talk about work. When you were done telling me about how work is going, I'd tell you this. 

Yeah, I'm glad that I finally work somewhere and I feel like I belong there. Working with Christian co-workers and in a ministry where we can provide shelter and food to the homeless. There are some people that I hate to see go, though I love the fact that they have housing. Sometimes I feel like I don't really DO much, not much of a difference is made. But, last weekend (since I only work Fridays - Sundays) when I was working one of the 15 year old girls who was there with 2 siblings and her mother whispered to me "We're moving out! But Shhhh! Don't tell anyone just yet." I smiled and asked her why she was telling me if it were a secret? She said it was because I only worked on the weekends and that they'd be leaving during the week and she wanted me to know. I gave her a hug and told her that I would miss her. She told me "Yeah, it's not going to be the same without you guys. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have a home... but I'm going to miss you." I just smiled and went along with my work... because, let's be honest. I have really awkward responses is those situations and my silence was the safest route.

It was encouraging to me that her and her younger sister would miss me. That means I did something right. They felt loved, they felt accepted. They weren't always the easiest kids to handle, but I loved 'em and I think they understood that. It was a good weekend at work. I'm really hoping that there's not too much drama or too many emergencies this weekend.

Well, it's about time for me to go. I'm sure you have things to do as well.
I need to go practice piano (Not doing so hot with the new key I'm playing in), I need to pick and memorize a song and I should probably do laundry. I hate laundry. Why can't it magically do it's self? ... I'm going to figure some way to put as little effort into doing it. :)

I hope you all have a fantastic day, I'll be posting again on Friday.
May you have peace and favor,
Jackie

Definite Directions

directions - plural of di-rec-tion (noun)

       Noun:  1. A course along which someone or something moves.

                 2. The course that must be taken in order to reach a destination

With "Definite Directions" it is my plan to share weekly where I feel the Lord is directing my focus and passion so that I can share with you the course on which my heart will [hopefully] move closer to Him. 

Lately the Lord has really been pressing freedom. I have been broken hearted for those caught in human trafficking for sometime now. It just never seizes to amaze and infuriate me just how cruel and unfeeling some can be towards another human being. God has been revealing to me scriptures of freedom and showing me how this applies to me and how it applies to my heart for rescue and restoration for these women and children caught in slavery. 

[Galatians 5:1] For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

To me, this scripture is both a promise of hope and a warning of stewardship. It is for freedom that Christ has saved us, so that we are no longer enslaved to our burdens and wrong doings or the shame that comes with them. Yet, we must be wise stewards over the things we allow in our lives as to not allow ourselves to be yoked again to our burdens and shame. For me this means, as much as I would like to run around the world and show every woman enslaved and every hopeless child that there is a God who reigns without enslavement, I must first be sure that I am overseeing the well-being of my life. In other words: There is allot I want to do and SO much I wish I could say... but first I have to make sure my stories line up and that I'm able to live the freedom I so desperately yearn to share.

Sometimes this is difficult for me. I have the tendency to allow shame from my past of depression, suicidal thoughts and anger dictate how I relate to people. I allow my shame of my past depression to make me feel uncomfortable that anyone ever think I'm upset or sad... I allow my shame to convince me that I am a selfish, hard hearted woman who is a blemish on the skin of a "holier" society. All these statements are untrue. I need to grasp the freedom that Christ came to give and be brutally honest with myself. 

The rough truth is that: It's forgiven. There is no reason for shame when the King of Kings has passed over my wrongs. That's something I can count on.

So there it is, my first Definite Directions. I hope you enjoyed it. 

Please be sure to subscribe or leave a comment below, I'd love to hear your feedback.

May you have peace and favor,

 Jackie

Travel Log: Monday, March 5th 2012.

Leaving the house for a trip is never as quick or as easy as you may plan. This morning when I woke up (at the ungodly hour of 5:30am) I thought I had everything planned out. I had my clothes set aside and a sticky note of everything I need to make sure I had grabbed before I ran out the door attached to my keys. My parents had already told me not to intentionally wake them, so there was no weird early morning "My baby is traveling alone for the first time" conversations. The task seemed SO simple, apprantly it was all TOO simple. I woke up to my alarm, on time. I quickly got dressed and grabed anything I thought I needed from my room (like my cell charger, my cell phone, laptop, etc.). I went downstairs, gathered everything else that was on my sticky note list and threw it in a bag. Success! I had time to eat breakfast before I hit the road. I get out to my car and of course I forgot something. This is an infallible habbit of mine. My forgetting something until I'm in the drivers seat is more regular than Lindsay Lohan's botox injections! So, I ran into the house to grab the few long lost items that I needed. Fortunately, since it was just me I was packing for, I pulled out only 15 minutes later than I had planned.

For thoseof you who know me well, I am not an "Allone" type of person. I am very much a "I surround myself with people all the time so I don't have to experience silence" type of person. :) Well, I did pretty well for the first few hours. However, around 8:30 I was feeling a tad bit groggy... Since I have no one with me to keep me awake, I pulled over at a "Service Plaza" (Everything in Ohio is called a 'Plaza"...WHAT THE HECK?!) slept for half an hour, woke up with  my sore throat feeling aggitated. I ran inside the mini=mall and bought myself some cough drops and what did I find?! A STARBUCKS! In Lansing, these things are few and far between. I'm fairly confident there is only a single starbucks within a decent drivingdistance from where I live. Though I'm ussually a Biggby girl (for those of you who don't know, that's a local coffee shop), sometimes Starbucks is the only thing that can satisfy the coffee snob within. From there, I hit the road again. I've been driving almost non stop (I did stop for gas). It is now 1pm. I've stopped for lunch (more substantial then granola bars) at a local Denny's.

I've decided that toll workers are angry people, well... at least until I got to Pennsylvania. There is nothing better than a middle aged man "Closing" his booth so he can take a moment to look at your nails! haha He was the best, I wish I could have gotten a picture with him! A good 10+ hours after I left home, I arrived, found parking and made it to my cousins house. Which, is pretty much my dream appartment. haha We searched the web for ideas of things I could do while she was at work during the days and then we ordered in. Chinese, always a good choice. :)

Now I'm just hoping that this cold-ish thing that has ahold of me will let go so I can enjoy my week!

So long for now,
Jackie

The ways He moves.

For a long time I've felt a silence. God had just not provided the leading voice I thought I so desperately needed. I felt rather neglected and so extremely at a loss of purpose. Whenever it came to a decision about my life it would always come down to a a fight between needing to make a deccision and wanting to wait for God's leading. I rather lost hope in hearing from the Lord. It seemed as if it had been SO long! I struggled with a constant depression, a constant weight on my heart. I felt as if someone had filled a blanket with bricks and wraped it around me and I knew that Jesus was the only one able to take it off, but he just wouldn't listen to me long enough to see the blanket. I knew he heard me, but he was just so UN-evident. If I'm being completely honest, I just gave up the hope that God cared enough for me to care about my life. I still was trying to live according to the Holy Spirit's convictions on my life, I was still praying and spending time in the word (though not as much). I just came to expect that these were mundane, boring, meaningless motions I was to go through every day to please God, all the while never even hoping to get something from Him in return. I didn't really care anymore.

Lately, I've been going to a bible study. Every Thursday night I go to a biggby and discuss the word of God with around 6 other girls, who all love Jesus very much. I was able to converse and interpret the word and feel convictions. I wasn't "Godless" only without the leadership or input the Lord provides. As a group we decided to do a 21 day fast. We took a week and prayed about what the Lord would like to have us remove from our lives for a while. It was really hard for me to figure out what I should fast from. Eventually I decided that I could fast from Movies. I spend allot of time just watching movies while studying, talking on the phone, etc. A BIG time waster.

May I just tell you how AWESOME our God is?! Two days after the fast had begun, I lost my phone. I was so beyond frustrated and I was VERY ready to just be mad. I went home, scanned craigslist and found a phone that seemed acceptable. The very next day I was able to purchase a hardly used smart phone for a very affordable price. Then, Monday, only 4 days after the fast had begun God provided me with a car. An extremely affordable car that (God willing) will last me many years. God is revealing himself anew to me. It's not only these events that have given me hope, they are only a piece of the puzzle. Most certainly the Lord has reminded me that I am not forgotten. He is awesome and He is good.

I've had an itch lately, to do something, go somewhere... I don't even know. It's an unbearable itch that I just want to scratch but can't. God has the back scratcher. For now, he's given me some soothing lotion, but I know he's going to wait until I literally cannot take the itch anymore, then he shall scratch it for me. :) I have many tenative plans for this summer. I'm just throwing myself through every open door with the faith that God will slam quite a few of them in my face. I need the contentment and the humility to accept those "no" responses.

On Febuary 9th, I am starting a 40 day juice fast. It will be very difficult, but I feel that the Lord has led me to it and that His strength alone will give me the joy and strength to make it through. I will be attentatively waiting for the Lord's direction. I will pray for the things he lays on my heart, I will spend as much time with him as I can and just soak him up! It's been a long time since I have purposefully focused on my own growth and relationship with God. I'm generally rather focused on everything that's happening outside of myself.

I'm so excited to see where all the Lord is going to change me and where he will lead me. I'm so happy to be a servant of the Most High! It is only He who moves among us whom I can entrust with my life and all it's dysfunctions, misdirections and hopes. Our God leads, directs, loves, cares, bears, takes, gives, makes, ruins and fathers. I'm excited to see what He'll reveal himself to me as next. :)

With high hopes and desperation,
-Jackie

Niftyness

I am so excited. For the past year or so I've been falling more and more in like with skinny jeans (yes, I said Like instead of Love, get over it!). I had a few pair and wanted to more. But any jeans that withstand some normal wear and tear are stinking expensive! I personally am not ready to spend $100 on two pairs of jeans. 

So, a friend turned me on to this blog post ( http://whollykao.com/2011/11/07/diy-skinny-jeans/ ). Wholly Kao is a fantastic crafting site to check out, if that's something you're into... but anyways. I had several pairs of old jeans that still fit well in the waist and hips but just didn't cut muster for me to wear in public (ever, ever again). So, I looked up some video tutorials on the subject, read a couple different blogs and went for it. I am extremely happy with the outcome too! I don't currently have pictures to post, but I'll take some pictures during my next pair I modify. It's such a cheap way to bulk my jeans closet! 

I've been in an extremely crafty mood lately. Crocheting, knitting, modifying jeans, I want to make a pair of sweater boots next. If any of you have any chic, fun crafts you've wanted to try or have done let me know! Comment with a link or description. I'm feeling niftily adventurous! 

Sincerely lacking a sense of creative purpose, 

-Jackie

School, school, school...

So,  if you know me at all you've probably caught on to the fact that school isn't really my best subject. Though I try, and I do mean try, things tend to make it harder for me. I'm learning to cope and looking for possible helps and solutions... but under any circumstances being expected to pay attention for 7 hours a day while struggling with ADD and Dyslexia isn't the easiest thing. Now, this is not me complaining... this is me wishing I had more control over my brain. But I don't. Life moves on.

This semester I REALLY need to pass my classes. I'm taking a vocal performance class, Piano class, Art History and Psychology. Those are subjects I am relatively capable of handling. However, I am aware that I will only pass with the grace of God. It's really hard for me to stay tuned in class and even harder to study at home (there is just no driving motivation).

I've just changed my major from music performance to Sociology. Social work, who knew? Okay, okay. Apparently allot of people knew before me, but that doesn't mean I was ready to come to terms with it until now. Anyhow, i'm learning that in order to receive the best from school, I need to give my best to... GOD. Ha, I caught you. You thought I was going to say "Give my best to my studies!" Nope, that is not what is required. God is the one who DOES have control over my mind, he does have the ability to grant me grace and the ability to remember more than I usually do. So, here's to giving God my best and not hoping, but having faith that I can do this.

In the mean time, I picked up some school supplies. Again, sometimes the "creativity" (if that's what you will kindly call it) in my brain... puzzles me.

 Some graph paper to take notes in my Psychology class,

 ^Music Staff notebook for my experiments in Piano,^

 A sketch book to take notes for Art History,

 Colored pens and markers to take all my notes with,

 A calendar, hoping that i'll actually remember important dates,

 A 1/4 In. headphone jack for Piano,

 and finally, a hair product that will make last minute "Gypsy" mornings a whole lot easier. 

Yeah, that's all for now. 

Have a great evening, 

Sincerely stressing out, 

-Jackie

Thrifted Curiosity: 1

So, after allot of youtube watching and blog reading I have been feeling quite inspired to go thrifting lately. Allot of people act like it's some sort of "hush-hush" subject, just because it's used clothes. I truly am indifferent. They're used, yes. But you wash them, dingbats! I just don't understand this supposed big taboo about the thrifting. It's cheap, it works, get over it.

With many local options (such as Goodwill, Volunteers of America, World Mission Thrift, St. Vincent DePaul and Hidden Treasures) I had quite the selection of places I wanted to go. I had made up my mind to take a bit of money out of my bank and see if I could make some good investments on clothing and accessories. I've heard that thrift shopping is the best way to find affordable vintage items, and THAT I was willing to work for.

Wednesday was my first excursion. I was able to attain 3 good cardigans, a new black jacket and 2 pairs of awesome earrings for under $13 (Rounding off to around $2 per item). Which, I consider to be a pretty good investment, if you ask me.

Today (Saturday) I went again with a friend and was able to find 4 t-shirts, a change purse, a clutch and a (fake) pearl necklace that was the perfect length for me. I'll be sure to post the pictures of the items I got today below. I got all 7 items for exactly $16 today, rounding out to just over $2 per item. Again, I would call that a good deal.

I will say that although goodwill is more expensive, I do like the fact that they have more fitting rooms and that they organize their stuff by size (which... is relative in thrift stores). Though, I like that Volunteers of America picks 2 tag colors weekly and sets a certain percentage discount to each color. Makes finding deals a whole lot more exciting.

So, that's all I have for now. Hopefully as time goes on I'll get some more interesting posts about FANTASTIC finds (that I'm hoping for). Pictures are below.... The one item I bought today that is not shown is just a plain white v-neck t-shirt.

 An awesome grey and white Led Zeppelin Tee - $2.99

"Grateful Dead" Tee - $2.99

 "It's a Spam-Dandy" Tee - $2.99

Metalic silver change purse - $0.59 

 Metallic Gold Clutch/Wallet - $2.00

(fake) Pearl Necklace - $0.99

Temple 619: Week 2

Not much has happened this past week. 

I went to the Doctor, that went well. I was on some various medications for various conditions and he has taken me off of everything for a month trial. I'll get blood work done before I go in again next month just to check how things are going, providing I stick to my 90day challenge I should be in the clear to stay off of my meds, which I would be VERY excited about! I hate taking medication, but I will if I have to. 

I bought a pedometer and I'm keeping track of my steps and miles. My doctor suggested aiming for 10,000 steps a  day. Yesterday I reached 10,400 at work alone (which is almost 5 miles worth of walking). Right now, the way my feet are yelling at me, I completely believe it was that much. 

School is getting stressful and I'm trying not to let it effect my inner peace. The Lord has promised good to me, through stress, through troubles, though adversity he has given me access to his abundant peace. Hopefully in the midst of all this crazy, CRAZY final school assignments I am able to remember that I have complete access to His supernatural peace. 

I'm trying so hard not to get sick. I'm pumping myself full of vitamins and i'm about to go to the store solely for orange juice. haha Working where I do and having almost the whole shelter sick, I KNOW I have been more than exposed to it. Besides who thinks "you are transporting illness to me right now!" when you're hugging a little kid who just doesn't understand what's going on around her? I don't. So, I know I've been exposed to colds, flu's, etc. I'm praying that my stubbornness alone will keep me well, at least until after school. I came home from work last night, not feeling the best. I'm thinking it's just because I was stressed and tired. 

The Lord has been revealing allot to me lately. Not in revelation style words. But, just placing thoughts in my mind that I know are him pushing me on to be all I'm meant to be. I've applied to Carnegie Mellon, Cincinnati University Conservatory, NYU - Nisch and I'm looking at more schools that would be far off dreams of majoring in musical theater. I'm waiting for my verification to register for an audition date for each school. 

Who knows what (IF anything) will come of these applications and possible auditions. I figured, what will it hurt?! I'm also going through the organizational stage of getting an audition ready for the Broadway Conservatory summer program. I'm about ready to ask some people around if they could help me prepare. For some reason, right now, I am more that willing to throw myself through the ringer to get somewhere with my dream. Blood, sweat and tears. They'll flow, but that's fine... I will run full pledged into the opportunities I see. I may run into a few doors as God closes them, but no one will ever get anywhere sitting on their butts. 

So, I guess that's all I really have to say right now. 

I really need to figure out why my thoughts always sound so jumbled. I dislike it allot. Blerg.

Oh well, for now I say goodbye.

-Jackie

Temple 619

Well, week one of my challenge is over. 11 more to go.

The first week of the challenge, was an interesting and difficult one. Since my challenge is to seek total wellness through, in essence, whatever it takes and thanksgiving was in my first week. It was a challenge but I managed to find control. Which is what I've been needing.

If you don't have any clue what I'm talking about, here is a brief explanation.

Temple 619 is a 90 day challenge I have issued myself to get my temple into better shape. I'm seeking health for my body, my mind and my soul. I am wanting a complete improvement to who I am. I've been working towards these things through daily meditation, exercise 5 days a week, being assertive to what types of music and movies I am watching, journaling daily, deeper quiet times, times of listening and the list goes on. I have a set of rules I'm trying to follow and so far, so good. My heart is to give Christ my best, my body is His temple. If my body, mind and spirit are not well taken care of then, no matter how willing and motivated I am, I am unable to give Him my absolute best.

I'm finding as the days go on, that it is increasingly difficult to be an open book. I want to be open and very honest about everything that is going on during my temple 619 project. However, I ask that you not find criticism or harsh words for me, but that you could find encouragement. Dealing with the annoyance and pain of mean spirited words is not something that is going to help me achieve my goals.

Until the other day I had COMPLETELY forgotten about prayer partners. I was completely on the wagon to find a group of people who were willing to pray for me and with me about requests I would send out. Well, that slipped my mind. I'll be working on that this next week. My goal is to have a team set up by Saturday.

I have a doctors appointment set up, just to talk about some options and to find out why in the world I keep waking up to an intense pain in my stomach in the middle of the night. It's not pleasant. Finding a Chiropractor and getting tested for adult ADD are the next things on my to-do list.

With just the meditation and yoga I've been doing almost daily, I've been feeling allot better. It completely acclimates my peace to a higher level throughout the day. I've been calmer and more aware of the beauty that is breathing deeply. Such a calming thing to do. Who knew?! haha

There are allot of things in life I've been taking for granted. I can't help but to feel ashamed for the things I've unknowingly and knowingly ignored, pushed to the side and hidden from myself.

I'm so ready to be complete in Christ. It's not a completed work yet, but that is only because of me.

Sometimes, it feels like a spiritual wasteland out there and I'm called to walk through it everyday. I'm wanting to question less and allow grace more.

Well, yeah.... so there are the completely dicombobulated ramblings of a bored woman at school who is TRYING to keep people updated on everything that is going on during her 90 days of total wellness.

There should be a video blog posted soon on youtube, who knows when it will actually get done though.

-Jackie

Parents.

{{To my parents, you may calm down. This is not a bad thing. Yes, I know that's why you read it! lol}}

So, today I was looking at a "30 day challenge" I had enlisted in on tumblr and today was about family. Well, I don't have a large one... but I got to thinking, so here it is!

My parents are fantastic. Don't get me wrong, we have our loud discussions and disagreements. But all in all, I've been raised by two people whom I greatly admire. Unfortunately, I have a tongue that's quicker at speaking than my brain is at remembering. I say allot of things about how they raised me that I shouldn't. When I'm in a tiff with one of my parents I do not shy away from pointing out their faults in raising me, or how they treat me now. If I could only learn to set my tongue on pause for a minute while I allowed my brain to catch up in those moments, I would remember all the things they did while raising me that they never were required to, then I'd be able to express my thanks to them for doing what they have. My parents have taken the time throughout my life, for me. My parents have taken allot of time, effort and money into making sure that I felt like I could accomplish my dreams! As soon as we knew it was music, it was voice lessons and choir. I was always exposed to culture, which I appreciate now so much more than I think I understood in the beginning. Art, architecture, international languages, music of all sorts and from all over the world, international foods and accepting people of cultures and beliefs other than my own.

Those are lessons that I could not re-create now if I wanted to. You can't suddenly change the way you see others and your differences, you can't suddenly like a food you've never tried, you can't suddenly be brave!

My mom:

My mom has taken her time to do everything for me. She stopped her life to enrich mine... which is something I take for granted far to often. She spent the one on one time that I needed to understand things, just so I could get through my education as needed. Eventually, she quit working and focused on ministry and my education. Although I'm ashamed to say this, I haven't always felt like a priority to her, but I was and I am. Her putting me as a priority was just displayed in a way that went undetected for me until just recently.

My mom also took the time to make sure I had the extra curricular activities I enjoyed. Paying for expensive voice lessons, choir memberships, piano lessons and guitar lessons. She gave up allot to ensure I felt I was doing something I was passionate about and something I felt would help me reach for my dreams.

She loved me. Never, ever have I felt unloved. There are little girls all over the nation and all over the world who go everyday feeling unloved. Like nobody cares. Yes, I've had my moments where I doubt specific people and even my mother. But no matter what was truly happening, I always knew that my mother loved me.

She listens to me. Seeing as how I love to babble on now about my stresses, my friend's lives, my school, my desires, my plans, my friends school...whatever the subject may be... I can only assume that as a child I was at least as talkative (if not more) then I am now. She's always made time to listen to me. Even if it's me laying on the floor next to the computer while I rant and rave and she comments on facebook, she listens. She makes me feel heard.

After she's done all the listening, my mom kicks into her fantastic personality and starts problem solving. Sometimes this is frustrating, considering I tend to rant about things I don't want solved for me, but she tries to help. She gives me wise council and humorous responses.

My mom is a wise woman that I intend to be more like someday. Completely alike? Please Lord, NO! Do I want to be like her in some ways? ABSOLUTELY YES!

My Daddy:

My daddy has done everything for me.

He is one of my best friends and I adore him. He has his moments, but so do I. He's always given me my daily dose of violence. Before you get the wrong idea, I mean that he has always given me the tomboyish side to me I have. I do happen to enjoy a good war flick, I do know how to debilitate someone with only my hands, I do own more than 1 pocket knife, I do not find gore traumatizing or gross, I do not get intimidated by anyone easily and I happen to think it's funny to knock the wind out of him on occasion. :) He can thank himself for that.

My dad has taught me the importance of government. My dad has never shied away from talking politics with me. He's taught me to be firm and independent. Which, I think he now regrets teaching me independent thought, because we tend to disagree on some things. But he's taught me how important it is to be aware of things beyond a fox or cnn news point of view. He's taught me how important it is to know what you think and how you believe on these issues and to stake everything you can on those beliefs.

He's taught me to wear a seat belt, unfortunately I needed to learn the hard way.

My dad always showed me that I was important to him! Setting aside date nights, listening to my (not always so) funny stories, talking about random crap, helping me come up with random death threats for stupid teachers, ect. He even made it a point to show me I was important when he was deployed. He sent me post cards from beautiful places, he sent me Iraqi political published brochures and explained them all to me. We'd talk on the phone and occasionally webcam (which was actually really frightening for me), I always knew how much he missed me and never knew how bad things really were for him. And every time he couldn't be there, he still tried. He'd call mom and listen over the phone to my voice recitals and he'd make sure I knew he heard me. He showed me I was someone who deserved to be important to others.

My daddy taught me that there is nothing I cannot do, unless I talk myself into believing that it's impossible.

Together my parents have taught me allot:

Together, my parents have taught me to laugh! My home, although we get angry with each other just like any normally functioning family does, is full of laughter. Laughing over stupid comments and jokes, corny puns and hilarious impressions. In the process of teaching me to laugh, they've taught me to laugh at myself. Which, is never a bad thing. If you can't laugh at yourself, you mine as well not laugh at anything else ever again because nothing is funnier than how serious you are taking yourself.

Together, my parents have taught me to love. They've taught me that it doesn't matter what country you're from, how you were raised, what color skin you have, what accent you prefer to speak in, where you were raised, the clothes you wear, the extent of your vocabulary or where you work... none of it is important. Just love.

Together my parents have taught me to be involved with ministry. When I was younger they were CONSTANTLY forcing me to do things that were "Charitable" or volunteer work. Babysitting for homeschooling moms free of charge, working with the children's department at church, being a part of a volunteering organization. Eventually, it sank in and it all became a desire. I've gone on missions trips all over the state and one out of country. I've learned to plug into churches to serve God. I'm not afraid to get a little dirt under my nails in the process of being God's hands and feet, I entirely attribute this to my parents, who have displayed the same.

My parents have taught me to seek God and follow the conviction of the Holy Spirit above what others tell me to believe. For this reason I have been able to have my own, personal relationship with God and follow His unique calling on my heart. I've been given freedom to create ideas of God and how I should live according to what I know of Him. They allow me to disagree with them and have my own personal ideas of religion, church, ministry and God.

Together, my parents have taught me the beauty of being wrong. I'm not ashamed to admit that I have some MAJOR pride issues. But it's okay to be wrong and there is a beauty to admitting it when you are.

Together, my parents have set one of the most fantastic examples of marriage I could ever ask for! As a child until now, I have NEVER questioned the validity or prosperity in my parent's marriage. There is love, there is Christ, they are one flesh that shall never part. End of story. I wish to have a marriage as firm as theirs one day.

Together, my parents have taught me to run for God with full abandon without care or concern for what others may say of my "radical" love and mercy.

Together, my parents have allowed me to join my friends (who generally adore my parents) into the family. Being an only child, they've allowed me to bring friends on vacations, school trips, "family only" birthday parties and more. Through this, they've taught me that family is based on love, not blood.

Together, my parents in combination with the mercy and grace of my Lord have gotten me to where I am. They have helped me become a woman who seeks God. There is NOTHING more on this earth that they could have done for me and I'm blessed by it.

My parents are fantastic. They are friends, they are councilors, they are examples, they are my correction, they are love, they are mercy and they are mine! How greatly am I blessed? I could never count all the ways!

Thank you mom and dad. You are the reasons I think I know so much. :) You can thank yourself's for that next time we get into a debate! :p

I love you.

Jackie

College: My Mission Field.

College. Though it's not for everyone, it is what many here in my area are getting ready for. My classes start this Thursday, sometime this week I have an interview for a weekend nanny position... and thus my life begins. I actually enjoy being busy, so this is something I'm greatly looking forward to.

As I was thinking about how I'll need to keep priorities straight and fight to keep things in line this semester, I began thinking about how going to school is my mission.

Often times we receive support letters from missionaries going all over the nation and world, who are asking for prayer. Considering they are taking the example of Christ and the Light of salvation to some random corner of the world, we consider their requests and add their items to our list of things to pray for.

But, Every time we step into the world we are stepping into an area that should be covered in prayer. I may not be directly preaching the gospel with a bible in one hand and a tract in the other. But my example of love, kindness, acceptance, nurturing friendships and willingness to do... whatever I feel will glorify the Lord will be a testimony to whoever is effected or whoever sees.

So, this fall and this coming spring semester I will be going to Lansing Community College. Everyday I go to school is an opportunity for me to set an example of Christ's love and give Him glory though my everyday.

What I am requesting is this, will you consider adding LCC to your prayer list?

Specifically asking you to join me in prayer for

- The students

- The Professors

- All the Christians on campus

Missionaries in other countries are not the only ones who enter a world of those who are unknowing of His love. I'm just seeking to join in with some brothers and sisters in Christ to pray over the path I'll walk twice a week, until May. So, if you are interested in joining me in prayer for this college campus (whether it be once a day, once a week or once a month) send me a facebook message, an email or just leave a comment to let me know you are planning on praying. It's encouraging when others are willing to stand with you in prayer.

I know that this is an awkwardly worded post and perhaps it's not even very clear. I just thought that it would be an encouragement to maybe have some people join me in prayer for what is going to be a large portion of my life for the next few years. I know that through all my time on campus I'll be looking for opportunities to reveal the heart of God to the heart of man. So, will you join me in prayer?

~Jackie

Random thoughts and updates.

Well, hey there blog... it's been a while since I've given you an update. I guess I'll do that.

Nothing too intense has been going on lately, but allot has happened... if that happens to make any sense to anyone. haha.

I am excited to return to school this fall. After several months of thinking I was going to be unable to attend for the fall semester, the blessing of everything lining up within a matter of hours on the exact day it needed to be done was incredible! I'm taking Spanish 2, Art History To The Renaissance, and Math. Which, I consider to be a pretty good mix of enjoyable and terrifying classes considering it's all just for my core courses.

If you would have asked me during either of my last 2 semesters at LCC if I WANTED to go to school, the answer would have been "NO!" I was only doing it because it's what I thought I needed to do to accomplish my "5 year plan." What a joke that was! Anyways, over the summer I began getting more and more disappointed over the fact that I wouldn't be going to school. I actually WANT to go to school now, which is a big victory... for me at least. Hopefully my grades will reflect my desire to do this. As for the "5 year plan" ... it's out the window. Pure stupidity on my part, is what it was. I'm not saying that eventual dreams or ideas are stupid, I just wasn't doing anything right. I've just decided that my "PLAN" consists of this one idea: Do whatever I know will give God my utmost and all of the glory TODAY and stop worrying about what will bring him glory in two years, two months, two weeks or even two days. God will show me what to do when the time comes. For now, I glorify Him with my passions, talents, praises, education, time, honor, obedience and example wherever I am.

I'm still keeping a very close eye out for job opportunities, unfortunately the places I've applied have not responded. So far, i've not as much as gotten an interview. It's rather ridiculous.

I was able to go to Gull Lake Ministries for a few short days while my mom was there with the girls for Family Camp. What a memory! Oh my word, I had forgotten the impact that place had on my soul once upon a time! Just being on GLM grounds reminded me of all the times I had with the councilors that showed me more of God than I had encountered before, the fun I had with new friends, the things that pushed me to seek God and the all together solace of it all. I was between 14-16 years old when I went to Gull Lake, so it was an odd thought when I realized that this particular set of councilors were actually MY age. It became even more real when I saw Aristocrafts (her councilor nick name). Her real name is Rebekah and she was in the same hightide group I was with a councilor whose nick name I do not remember (though I remember her real name was Kazia). Talk about a flood of memories! I never really did get a chance to actually talk to Rebekah, but it was a crazy blessing just to see her. The memories of that year at GLM for me are intense! A year that God took a hold of my heart and just ignited a passion within me that has yet to die.

My summer has been pretty fantastic so far. I'm quite thankful for everything the Lord has given me and I am most thankful that I am saved and made whole through grace, not the law.

Blessed be the Lord,

Jackie

Just A Little Rant About Self Image: Part 2

Okay, If you've not read part 1 to this you may want to take a few minutes to do this. I'll even make it super easy and give you a link to my own blog, which you are currently on. http://jackiepoole.blogspot.com/2011/06/just-little-rant-about-self-image.html Ahead of time, I want to apologize for both that post and this one. Something has been messed up with the html or something with the website and I am unable to add seperate paragraphs. When I write it, they're there and then they dissapear when I post. So, I apologize for the poor formatting. I'm trying to figure out how to fix it. So, in part one I talked to the girls about how verbalizing their dislikes about themselves is an extremely harmful act. Again, not to say having insecurities in self image is abnormal or negative, but talking about it constantly is. In the short time since I posted the rant I actually have received allot of feedback, which I am not at all used to. After some tough thinking I've decided to adress the men. That's right. If you're a male, this is written for you. Men, you play a large role in a woman's self confidence. If you have a mother, a sister, a lady you are dating or just female friends you are playing a part in their self image. Allot of people think that if they aren't insulting someone that their actions don't make a difference. Well, I'm sorry but this thought is quite incorrect. Everytime you talk to one of your girlfriends about how you think Selena Gomez is fantastic and why, this young lady you are with is thinking "Well, I don't measure up!" It has nothing to do with whether or not she is interested in you as more than a friend or if she thinks you're cute. It's just our built in need to compare ourselves with others who are veiwed as beautiful. It's unfortunate, but it's true. So gentlemen, when you are oogling, gandering... maybe even lusting after different women who are so called "Beautiful" you are sending a clear message to the women around you, whether or not you mean to. Say you're walking through the mall and you break contact with your date to look at the half (or perhaps less) dressed girl in the victoria's secret poster. Yeah, she see's that. She knows that you're looking at her body, it's inevitable and we've been taught to accept it as something that you (the men in our lives) cannot control. Though some women act like this doesn't bother them, it bothers me and I'm not gonna lie about it. I think you can control it. If I can learn to wear more modest clothing for your sake, do you think your could even consider controling your eyes for mine?! Yeah, I know that once you see certain things that thoughts become less controllable. However, I happen to know from experience that you can avoid some imagry to a degree. I have a guy friend (Of whom I am VERY proud to call friend and who gives me hope for young men regularly) who will deliberately look at something on the opposite side of the hallway anytime we walk by a victorias secret. We let him know when we've passed, and the conversation continues. It takes purposed thought and inentional avoidance. It doesn't just HAPPEN to not see this things. Locker room talk has become a disgusting habbit for many men as well. The Locker room is NOT where you get to talk about the uggliest chick around and whatnot. Recently a Pilot who was stupid enough to not realize his every word was being broadcasted to the control tower began talking about how he hated some people and the number of people he had slept with. He could have lost his job. It's not good for anyone and you need to be careful of your words anyways. "Actions are louder than words"... um, yeah but words still mean ALLOT! I regret to inform you that we have all become pawns in a game. Somehow we've forgotten that we're not meant to play the game the world sets up, but now we've been caught in the middle. The media of our nation WANT women to feel insecure, men to buy into the constant sexual imagry and prideful nature. All things that hurt relatinoships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Everytime a man is caught taking a prolonged gander at these posters or commercails or everytime a girl looks at the latest clothing, cosmetic or popular item and she thinks "Wow, I NEED" that we are being played. We're being told we're not good enough if we don't. It's not okay. So, gentlemen: No, it is not at all your responsibility for us women to feel good about ourselves. However, there are 3 things you can do to improve the situation. 1) Show that you desire and are trying not to buy into the stupidity of modern sexual imagry. Yeah, we all get caught in the game - but effort means allot. 2) "Locker room talk" Just don't. 3) Take the time to make sure the women around you know that they are appreciated. It doesn't need to be a physical compliment. Let your mom know you appreciate her seeking God while raising you. Tell your girlfriend that you love the weird jokes she makes. Tell your friends that they are really good at something they love to do. Don't lie, we know when you're lying. So, I guess this is really all I have to say about this for now. It might be a little miscombobulated when it comes to organization but it was on my mind. So, I thought i'd post it. Thanks for reading.

Just a little rant about self image: Part 1

You know what drives me nuts? Complaining. Oh, but not just any type of complaining. This particular type of complaining is based from a self conscience mindset. I HATE this type of complaining. To put it politely (possibly the only time I will be polite in this post), these people truly put the bee in my bonnet. Okay, so here it is: Stop talking about how you dislike yourself. EVERY girl has something she dislikes about herself. Every model, every actress, every girl in junior high, highschool and sometimes even kindergarden, even the girl you use as your example has insecurities. "Oh, I wish I looked more like..." you can fill in that blank with whomever you want, but if you asked them if there was something they would change about themselves, I gauruntee you no one would reply with "HECK NO, I'm flipping fantastic!" I won't lie.Some of these amazingly fit bodies we idolize have things they SHOULD be changing. Britney spears should stop smoking before she gets yet another case of laringitis and eventually loses both her physical apeal to nicotiene stains around her mouth and fingers and her voice to the loss of a lung. Heidi klum should stop prancing around in high heels and lingerie before she gives herself chronic or perminent back conditions and is no longer able to model for victoria's secret due to the fact that certain "advantages" of hers are no longer able to be propped up like the angel she is often protrayed to be. We all have things we should want to change about ourselves. Like our selfish, carnal nature. We should want to be like christ, not another person. When I'm around a girl whose size is in the single digits and I hear "I feel fat!" I just want to look them in the eyes and ask "So, what does this make you think of ME?!" Ugh. There is just SO much wrong with talking about your insecurities. Okay, now this may sound somewhat hipocritical... but you've made it far into my post, if you've not screamed at the computer yet I would beg you to read through my hypocrisy and also read my explanation. I too struggle with insecurities. RARELY will you hear my voice them. To prove I am human, I'll share just a few. I do not like my body, any part really. My physical appearance is NOTHING like I wish it were. I HATE my singing voice, that's right everybody; I, the singer, dislike my own voice to the enth degree and back. You WILL hear me say "UGH, I wish I could sing like that!" So, yes. Like any other human being there are things I am insecure of. I may seem confident, but this is exactly what I want you to believe. When you voice your insecurities in a group setting, rarely is your comment returned with "No. You were made in the image of God and although you have imperfections, it was the way you were created and intended to be. For everything God has a purpose." Instead you WILL hear "Oh, I know exactly how you feel! I hate..." Wow, okay. This is not encouraging. You need the first response, you need to be told why you're beautiful. Words have INCREDIBLE power. Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it's fruits." So, you speak poorly of yourself and what is bound to follow? A poor self image, an incorrect mental depiction of the glorious and wonderful person God has created you to be. I'm not saying you have to be happy with everything about yourself. But you don't need to talk about them. It's making your own opinion of yourself worse and it's making most of those (particularly any gentlemen around and/or ME) VERY uncomfortable. In my life, there are so many gorgeous women, some older, younger or right around my age who I wish to emulate for their bold courage, strong faith or incredible testimony. Unfortunately for generations before me and my own, this world has not produced many women whom I can look up to for their confidence in self or self appearance. Having a good self image is always taught and spewed out. But, who listens?! Apparently, not enough women around. All in all, you need to realize that your imperfections make you who you are, they make you unique and in every case i've seen they make you more beautiful than you would be without them. STOP COMPLAINING, God doesn't make mistakes and he did happen to create you! I don't really know what else to say, it is what it is. Self confidence is something that comes with time and experience. But talking poorly about yourself is a bad habbit that will do worse things to you than a crack addiction or alchoholism. Think about the poison your spitting out with your words, because those thoughts and words came from within you. Just a thought. With this, I end.

Something I should name sometime in the near future.

{{ I don't know what to say about this piece. If you have questions, just leave a comment. This piece has NO name yet... I may never name it. :) }} ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Living with the terror that comes from facing your past mistakes. Constantly being drawn into the masquerade of health, when reality is that the body of our friendship dies. There is a reason I feel regret and a purpose for calling my past a mistake. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Not a day goes by where I do not encounter the need to draw my sword and whisper softly our tale into the ears of the eager unbelieving. No intentions of fighting you, only to rip the veil that hides the darkness within you that I feel unstable for having seen. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My heart beckons for your approvals, as my mind insistently reminds me to make it on my own. Even though it's been tainted and broken, I present my life for your smile of contentment or absolute disowning. It seems as though the painful struggle of forgiving and acting okay was just expected from me, so I have nothing else I know to offer. --------------------------------------------------------------------- You back me into corners, your harsh words draw blood, you push each and every button. Why do I run to you when my enemies are armed. What tricked me into trusting you again? On my worst days you make me laugh then instantly blindside me with your jealousy, disgust, anger and out of proportion, emotionless romantics. It's you and only you who understands but never truly knows. YOU are the source of so much of this constantly flowing joy and weakness. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You had me at your beckoning disposal, you played with the thought of having me in the palm of your immature yet steady hands until your senseless romances had lost their creativity and you simply became bored. I was thrown out of the way for a better chance at your own insecure masculine display. Though you may refuse to see the wound, things are still healing. I'm not angry, just so utterly confused by your actions and words. I've learned to expect nothing from you. I shall sit here, healing, waiting for you to finally realize that we have more to fix. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Confusion, peace, inner war, innocence, diabolical, insecure and confident. All it takes is an hour next to you and my numb life awakens to feel everything I had forgotten. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------