Notice!!!!!!!

Hey guys, I was doing some work on the blog and somehow messed up the template, making it look crazy as you can see. I will be starting another blog, because this one is beyond my control, I have no idea how to fix it. I will post the link here when I get it set up! Thanks and God bless!

Big changes for the blog!

For the past few days I've felt that the Lord was leading me into a different direction for this blog. I have had a strong desire to make this blog not just about me, but to shape it into a ministry. That's what I'm doing now. I will be deleting all of my other blog posts that are not ministry related. For the most part this blog has been about my life, updates, and important stuff related to me. But, I am changing the face of this "ministry" to be more focused on outreach and encouragement.
Stay tuned for exciting changes!

Isn't That A Little Extreme?

The Prov. 31 woman did her husband good, and not evil all the days of her life. So even before she met him, she honored him.
This is my way of honoring my guy. I've dated guys before, but a kiss was meaningless, and it was often just a fleshly desire being made manifest, that at the time, I didn't stop. So, this is my chance to get it right, because Jesus' blood covers all my sins, and all my failures. I have failed more times than I can count, but see God has forgiven me. I'm not perfect but I'm forgiven.
I'm doing this to honor the Lord, because any man who loves the Lord will see the value in my decision. He will understand that God is, and will always be, first. I can't let my flesh get in the way of honoring God, I can't let my desires overule what God says.
I don't mind waiting for my man of  God, I know he is out there, but my focus isn't on finding a guy, or dating. My focus is on Christ, and the all consuming love that our savior poured out on the Cross. My fufillment is the promises that were made in God's Word.  My attention is on things of a spiritual nature, not of a carnal nature.
If God desires for me to marry, then a very blessed man will one day have my hand marriage. I love him even though I don't know him, and this is my way of showing him that I am soley his, forever.

Thanks for reading, God bless.
-Jess

This couple from Nashville saved their first kiss for marriage, and so yes it's possible. So inspiring & encouraging! :)

Mentoring Younger Girls

I've said it once, I've said it a million times.
If you are a young woman, like myself, find a mentor!!!!! Or if your like me and you are in college, find a high school-jr high girl (or girls in my case and mentor them!)
I have several "older women' who mentor me, and you will not believe the impact this has on your heart, and soul.
They are like your mother, and for me, that is a blessing since my mom passed away 4 years ago. They can teach you, and help you through the difficult times. The best part though, they are prayer warriors. The women who I have in my life don't hesitate to stop and pray for someone....amazing!
Did I mention they have some mean cooking skills? :)
Titus 2 outlines this perfectly, and it is a great chapter on young women learning to love their husbands and submit, as well as the behavior of believers in general.

Apples of Gold
I came across this ministry after listening to Daughters of Joy on my way to church on day. I started using it with a mentor of mine and has done wonders to prepare me for the future!
AMAZING! I highly recommend it! :)
here's the link to learn more:http://www.applesofgold.org/

Thank you for stopping by :)

To whoever may read my blog:
I am very sorry that I don't update this often enough.....I will be posting several things today, to make up for my lack of posting in the past month. So it is my prayer that you are blessed and encouraged!! :)

The World's Influences On Our Children

While at my mentor, Carla Long's house today, I realized just how much the world (and society in general)
influence children these days. And, as if to reinterate this fact, my four year old (tomorrow she turns 4!!) niece stated tonight that she "is gonna go phone textings Trevor".....
Our children are not meant to be puppets of this world. They were, just like everyone else, created in the very image of God. Yet, it seems to me that the world has taken hold of our children's innocence and refused to give it back.
I encourage parents to monitor what their children, see, hear, and read. Make sure it is Biblical!

On a different note, I'm starting to edit photos on the side. I am going to take a photography class here soon as well.

We had Maya's 4th birthday party Saturday.....she was a true princess & we enjoyed the fun, food and fellowship with friends!

Hope everyone has a fantastic week, don't get too hot out there basking in the sunshine :)
(Its supposed to rain all this week here, an end to the drought)

Matthew 5:16
Be blessed and encouraged :)

He is jealous for me....
He loves me.The One who set the stars into place, makes the flowers grow in spring, and makes the Earth go 'round, rejoices in me. He desires for me to love Him. He wants me to put Him above all else.
He desires for me to love Him more than I could anything, or anyone else. So is He first?
Yes, He is.
I fail, I don't always do things right, I stumble, I am tempted and tried, yet I strive to praise Him. Everyday, in every way. He is everything. How can I say I am a Christ follower, yet neglect Him knocking on the doors of my heart. He wants me to desire Him. When I put Him first, everything else falls into place. God is opening up so many doors, and He does these things out of love for me. Little me, He yearns to know. Wow.
He desires that I give Him everything. It has always been difficult for me to trust anyone. So trusting God with circumstances that I wish to control, is very difficult. I sometimes find myself wanting to snatch something back that I've laid down at the foot of the Cross. But, I just have to submit everything to Him. He will provide. He is everything, He is my heart's desire!