Graduation Class 2004

Lisa, Lacy, Sarah and myself
Enumclaw High School Class 2004

 

 

"Delight yourself in the Lord and

He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

In high school I had this verse taped on my binder (my math binder more specifically)

One time even my math teacher joked that he should give me a better grade because he saw the verse  I remember reading it everyday in high school and thinking, "oh, that is a nice verse.

I cant wait until He fills those desires"

 

I don't even know why I chose that verse

I know I have always been a "dreamer"

However, I never knew what those dreams were

But lets be honest, a lot of my dreams in high school were about who I was going to marry

Flash forward 10 years

Flash forward some much growing, maturing, living , loving & serving

I look back now at the 18 year old just "hoping" that God would "someday" fill those desires

 

Now, I don't just hope, I know

I am not just dreaming about my desires, I am living those desires

Dreams I never knew existed are forming in my deepest parts of my soul

Desires I never knew I had are being fulfilled

They didn't come all at once but they are slowly filling up in my heart

No, I am not married

I don't have any children

I am not a world traveler...

...yet

 

But I see, I feel, I know the desires in my heart are being filled exactly the way God intended them to be

 

 

 

 

 

Of course I still have those deep desires to get married, have children and travel the world

but I don't need to dwell on why those are not being filled

 I know God is filling my heart with desires that not only bring me joy,

but also bring Him glory and in His timing


So if I had to write a letter to 18 year old self from high school, this is what I would write:

 

Dear Jessie,

 

1- keep pursuing Him and keep that verse on your binder! In fact, look up more verses!

 

2. Dig deeper in Him

 

3. Keep dreaming and desiring for God to fill those dreams

 

4. He is working right now, ceaselessly and strategically on your behalf

 

5. He will fill those desires, ones you never knew you had,when the timing is right

 

6. Keep delighting in Him Jessie. You have an amazing life ahead of you!

His life plan for you is a thousand times sweeter than anything your high school self can dream or imagine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Where I Fell In Love

I never understood when someone said they "are in love with the Lord"

Or "first and foremost, I love the Lord"

You mean you love Him more than your spouse or child?
It seemed silly for me to hear

I didnt get it

Three years ago I sat here with my first devotional and an unopened bible
I asked myself "how do I fall in love with God?" 

I came with no dreams, no direction for my life
No expectations

All I had to offer was an open heart and mind 

I didn't want to come 

(lets just say the mornings were not  the easiest for me) 

But I came 

I came with surrender

I came morning after morning to this place

 To seek Him

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know"

Jeremiah 33:3

I started out with devotionals that would lead me deeper into the Bible

Trusting in His Timing

Walking in His Blessings

Thankfulness

Your Beautiful Purpose

The Great Commission

Praying Boldly 

Then a funny thing happened,
What started out as something I thought I "had" to do as a Christian,
Became something I craved

Every morning I found myself craving Him more and more

A Proverbs 31 Woman is becoming someone I aspire to be

I am understanding what it means to walk with the Lord

Dreams are forming in my heart I never imagined

My hunger to know more of Him is increasing

My prayer life is becoming more intimate and tearful

I look forward to my nighttime prayers to be in the presence of the Lord

I am bold in my prayers and pray for things that require Divine Intervention

I am finally understanding true meaning of marriage and the purpose of a Godly wife

My heart is breaking for the things that break the heart of God...
...And I am actually DOING something about it

My expectations of my future husband are becoming more established

He is placing boldness and courage deep within me

I have stopped comparing myself to the world and more to what the Word says about me

I am discovering the true character of our God

Kind

Compassion

Loving

Faithful

Loyal

Forgiving

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:13

The Lord accepted that I was broken, selfish and a work in progress
(still am!)

He found me anyway 

He romanced me anyway

He pursued me anyway 

He transformed me anyway

It was here at this table, in complete surrender where I fell in love 

I can honestly say with 100% certainty and faithfulness

I love the Lord my God with ALL my heart, strength, mind and soul

"I love you, O Lord, my strength"

Psalm 18:1 

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We Are Called to Be Bold

 

After many days of dreaming, crying, praying and surrendering I have decided to leave my job of six years at Seattle Pacific University Athletics 

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Two and a half years ago I was in need of something more in my life 
More Hope

More Dreams

More Desire

More love, impact and significance

More of Him

I prayed

"Lord, please ignite some passion in my my heart. ANYTHING Lord." 

Right away the Lord started placing dreams and desires on my heart I never knew was possible

Dreams I never asked for but better than I imagined

Ephesians 3:20 started becaming my life verse

" Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..."

I knew my story and adventure was starting

I didnt want to miss any of this journey so  I wrote my first ever blog post  

Seattle Pacific University Athletics has all I have known
A job and life I have ever known
A place where dreams discovered and fulfilled
A place where I grew professionally and personally

A place of comfort for over 10 years as an athlete and administrator

However, I have learned over the past couple years that we are not created to stay comfortable

In fact, when we become too comfortable, we stop growing and dreaming

Abundant life is discovered right outside your comfort zone

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***Here is a blog post I wrote a couple weeks ago when I knew I was supposed to leave

As I was running along the most beautiful path along lake union the sun was shining, beautiful house boats to my left, the wind at my face, the city of Seattle in clear view ahead of me

I see the our most famous landmark the Space Needle

 I look up at the tallest building in Seattle, the Columbia Tower

 I also see a glimpse of a 12^th flag that now holds even more meaning to our beloved Superbowl champions-Definitely a year remember for Seattleites- a name I thought I would always call myself

But you now what I kept thinking about? How I wish I was somewhere else

I don’t know where but I am homesick

My soul is longing for something more, something bigger

Something or somewhere I can give more of myself and be broken for that what breaks Him

As long as we are on this earth, we will ache for something bigger,

because we were designed for something bigger- something better.

We are designed for an intimate relationship with God forever.

- Jennie Allen" Restless"

 

 

I don’t think its in Seattle

In fact, I don’t think I belong in any specific city, state or country

We are called to GO into this world and be a light for Him

Wherever that is for me , is where I belong

Whether that is Africa in June

Another city later this summer

I don’t know where I belong right now

I do know its not Seattle

Or Enumclaw

I dont know

                       I may not know where I belong right now but I know Whom I belong too

I am holding onto Him to lead me into the unknown and satisfy my longing only He can fill

 

You know what I think? 

I think I know exactly where I am homesick for- My forever home-
A place where Seattle sunsets or the Seattle skyline will never compare
A real home where I will be able to forever worship Him, forever be wrapped in His love forever

I have no doubt God intentionally creates this feeling of nostalgia for a place we have never been
He wants us to always be reminded that His eternal home for us will always be better than any home or place here on earth

To remind us that that the only home we are to long for is His home

Knowing that my real home is with Him
Knowing that I wont be landing at a final desination but rather a path
 This creates a bravery I never knew I had to go into the unknown
Excitement, desire and yet peace waiting expectantly for when He calls me to GO

I will embrace being homesick and embrace wherever He calls me to next along this path
Because He has promised that walking along with Him is better than we can ever imagine

I can’t wait to see what He has in store

“You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You."

- Saint Augustine



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Lets Make A List

Making: The most out of the sunny, spring days in Seattle. They don't come often!

Cooking: Lets be honest I don't cook much at all. My cooking consist of putting a salad together of chicken or tuna or oatmeal for breakfast. I do hope one day to get on the cooking bandwagon.

Drinking: AdvoCare Oasis tea with sparkling water- so refreshing!

Reading: I just got done with Your Beautiful Purpose and The Circle Maker. Recommend BOTH!

Wanting: To go pick some beautiful lilacs! We have a ton of lilac bushes around the Greenlake and I love to go pick a bouquet but tonight I haven't done that yet.

Looking: On Pinterest for everything and anything related to cooking, traveling and  for my wedding.

Playing: "Lord, I Need You" - repeat. This song has has the most impact through my spiritual journey the last two years. Matt Maher is the original singer but the Passion Worship band sings it too.

Wishing: I was able to see my two nephews more often.

Enjoying: Orange Theory workout! A new gym opened up and they offer classes that are one hour interval training of weights and treadmill. I LOVE them. I feel I am getting such a good workout. The gyms are all over the nation and one just opened in Seattle. I love them so much I have been getting up at 5:30am for class!

Liking: The TV Show Castle.

Wondering: Not that I am stressing or worrying about it because the Lord has strongly placed a desire for marriage but I do wonder when the Lord will bring me my future husband.

Loving: The mornings. Such a special time for me to seek the Lord and start the day off with the Word before I just into the world.

Hoping: Is doesnt rain on Sunday for Mothers Day and my moms birthday. She deserves sun!

Marveling: At how big of dreams the Lord has placed on my heart. I look back over two years ago and never dreamed of the path the Lord has led me on. So much better than I ever imagined.

Needing: His grace every single day.

Smelling: Lemon Lavender Yankee candle- Every night.

Wearing: "Be the change you want to see in the world" sweatshirt and sweats.

Following: Some of the most amazing blogs! This is a blog post that I read over a year ago and it touched me deep in my heart. I can relate to almost everything she wrote and I have hope that I will have the same outcome with my marriage.

Noticing: When I look back over the years I see the Lords handprint in every season of my life.

Knowing: The best is yet to come.  "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." Ephesian 3:20

Feeling: Excited for what is to come in my life- Blog post to come about this!

Bookmarking: My Pinterest food board in hopes that I would one day actually make something from this.

Opening: My heart and mind to be soften and changed to the things of the Lord, especially as we prepare for our trip to Africa.

Giggling: At how amazingly cute and adorable my nephews are.

Feeling: LOVED//FORGIVEN//SAVED//REDEEMED

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Have No Fear

What is your greatest fear? 

I have a few that are at the top of the list

I feel that God is slowly helping me overcome them one by one

However, fear always seems to seep deep in my heart when it comes to flying

I am sitting at the airport about to board my flight to Los Angeles to hangout with my best friend 

We are going to run a half marathon that we have had planned for a while now

We also have some other fun activities planned when I get there

But that is just it... I have to get there before we can experience the fun

I am anxious thinking about getting on the plane, taking off, the turbulence

Some flights are better than others but the fear begins the same

I honestly don't know where the fear came from or how it got so deep

Maybe I am afraid because I am not in charge

A fear I am constantly working on

Flying has always been a part of my life and over the years The Lord been reminding me of just how small my fears are and just how Big He is. I have a strong feeling that flying will continue to be a part of my life and lately I have discovered a few thoughts that have helped me: 

1. The pilots are much smarter and wiser than me 

They are ones that will get me to my destination... Not me
I don't have the slightest clue how to fly a plane so I have to trust
Trust someone I don't know and most the time I never see their face

And when I am not asleep and aware, I can hear the pilot welcome us on board, give us a few details about the flight and then conclude by saying "sit back, relax and enjoy the flight"
Even that little bit of reassurance from the one in control gives me some peace

Just like the pilots of the planes, I have to trust The Pilot of my life

Sometimes the path is scary... to let go... lose control of what my selfish human emotions and desires

Then turbulence hits I fear I am falling again

 Losing control and trusting a pilot I can't see or know where I am going is not easy for me

But just like the pilots of the plane, The Pilot of my life has always landed safely

2- Adventure awaits! 

The airport is a place of adventure, discovery, and exploring

Something deep in my soul wrestles between excitement and fear when I am at the airport

For someone who has such a fear if flying I also have a sense of joy and anticipation
 

 But the excitement of what awaits me at the destination gives me enough courage to continue flying

 I look out at planes taking off and realize the world is literally just hours away

A plane ride away

Once I board that flight, the thrill of adventure and anticipation arise 

And just like when you board an airplane, I promise you, if you decide to get on board with Him 

with deep surrender and trust...it will be one amazing adventure

So, what I have concluded is that adventure and trust are what keep me flying, give me courage, and keep me moving closer to Him. The deeper my relationship with the Lord becomes, the more aware I am of His presence around me and the more confidence I gain for flying and in life

I can hear His whispers, just enough, so when He says, 

"Jessie, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride... Adventure awaits" 

I know this is a Pilot I can trust

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I'm The Kind Of Girl Who...

I'm the kind of girl who(se)...

Needs my cup cups of AdvoCare Spark every day

Can be found singing loudly in the car

Used to be fearful of driving, now it is a sacred time for me

Memorized the lines of The Goonies, 3 Ninjas and Christmas Vacation

Has BIG dreams in my heart and believe they were placed there for a purpose

Would rather have a bouquet of flowers than a new pair of shoes

Cant imagine loving any children more than my nephews Jace and Hudson

Could decorate my whole house in inpsirational quotes and bible verses

Signs up for half marathons but doesnt like running

Always wears athletic gear to the airpot (or anywhere actually)

Had a huge fear of flying and public speaking but starting to love both

Loves superheros- especially Superman

Could watch football all day everyday - Go Seahawks!

Would rather read a good book than watch a movie

Prefers a ponytail than my hair down

Can never pass up a trip to Trader Joes, Target, Chiptole or Starbucks

Loves a good game night with friends and family

Thinks Seattle is the most beautiful city in the world

I'm also the kind of girl who(se)...

Acknowledges our God SO loved the world, that He gave His only son, and whoever

believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life

Believes we have the most loving, creative, and faithful Creator

Wakes up needing to be filled with The Word

Uses the bible as my guide to living my life

Believes that Jesus lived the perfect life, died for our sins and conquered death

Is a sinner saved by Grace

Thinks the most beautiful thing on earth is LOVE

Thankful that He knows the desires of our hearts

Understands that Gods timing is perfect (thank goodness!)

Believes that living a surrendered life for Jesus is the greatest adventure

Thankful the Lord knows me better than I know myself

Believes the best is yet to come!

Lastly, I am the kinda girl who believes the Great Commission was not just for those called 2,000 years ago but a calling for every believer, in every country, in every generation to accept the mission.

Christ is sending us all somewhere for a purpose,

whether in your backyard or halfway around the globe.

Are you ready?



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Ten Years of Comfort

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil for You are with me, 

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me"

Psalm 23:4

Gas Works Park, Seattle WA

Ten years 

This park has been a place of peace and comfort for me since I was a freshman at SPU

Ten years ago

Whether it was basketball spring training

A friendly walk with a friend

Or a run after work 

This has been the spot, my place of refuge

I know it is exactly 3 miles to and from SPU

I know there is a small hill to climb to get to the top

 

I knew once I made it up I would see the view

My comfort

When I was at the top every worry faded away

Every battle going on inside me faded away 

I knew I just had to get to the top to see the view

You see, the view never changes

The beauty of the Seattle skyline

The beauty of the sun along lake Union

 Boats on the water, cars cruising along 1-5 

And the famous Space Needle in the background

Never changes, and thats comfortable to me

Ten years 

My comfort I could always count on

Gas Works Park

I remember coming here with a friend my freshman year

A quick run after class

I remember sitting down and looking at the view 

Talking about our future

Where we saw ourselves in one year, five years and beyond

I remember thinking back then..

"This view is amazing. This is comfortable. 

This will be my place of refuge when the world is weighing me down"

 

I sat there today, ten years later

And I still had that same feeling- This is my comfort place

 This place, this view has never let me down

 

One thing in life we can always count on is change 

Thankfully, I am not who I was ten years ago

We grow, we change, we transform

Sometimes change makes us uncomfortable

 

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory,

are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory,

which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

2 Cor. 3:18

 

I know that I may not always be in Seattle to run to my place

I know that I cant just head there when I need comfort

Where can I find comfort?

 

"God is our refuge and strength"

Psalm 46:1

 

No matter what life brings me

No matter where I may end up in my life

My constant source of comfort is in Jesus Christ 

He is my place of refuge and peace

The best part?

I don't have to run 3 miles to find Him

I don't just get Him for 5 minutes while I rest at the top

He is my daily source of comfort 

He is in me, moving within me

Changing me for His glory

And giving me a comfort, no view or place, can provide 

"...Your staff and Your rod, they comfort me"

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About Time

Oh, I just love the spring time

So, many beautiful flowers outside and the sun if finally coming out in Seattle

Easter coming up!

It doesn't get much prettier Seattle in springtime

(ok, maybe the fall)  

Before I share what I have been up too I want to put on record that I have been actually sitting down and watching The Masters

I never thought I would say that or do that but since Bubba Watson won back in 2012, I have grown into one of his biggest fans. How can you not like a humble, family, Christian man! 

 I always admire athletes using their platform to share Jesus 

As I write this Bubba is in the lead with a good chance to win

Lets go Bubba! 

Anyway, back to my weekend

A little back story, I love country music

I will go to any country concert 

I went to go see Chuck Wicks back in 2009 and loved him

My aunt and uncle are on the board of directors for the Washington State Fair

For the past 4 years I have been begging telling them they need to get Chuck Wicks to come!

Finally, four years later Chuck finally comes to Puyallup!

My friend Lacy and I one our way to see Chuck

Of course we got to Spark up- make sure we have energy and mental focus

Just taking some selfies on our way :)

Of course, we had to sit front and center
He writes all his songs and did not disappoint!

Thankful for my aunt and our time together during these concerts!

If you ever come visit Washington you have to visit The Washington State Fair!

 

I ended up staying the night down south on Friday night and drove up to Seattle Saturday afternoon

I usually stay home during the weekend, especially since my sister is about to give birth!

But I had to run some errands up in Seattle so I came home

It has been awhile since I have actually stayed in Seattle for the weekend 

The sun was out, light breeze, perfect opportunity to walk to the Greenlake Starbucks

Vanilla steamer, a good book, Chris Tomlin Pandora station

Do you need anything more?

It brings me to this morning

I had to get a long run in for my half training 

Three times around Greenlake is 9 miles

The first mile is always the hardest but eventually found my way around 3 times

Of course, not without stopping to take a picture of this beautiful area

We are sure blessed 

There is so much going on right now in my life

I am seeing God work in my life and my family and friends

I am seeing Gods favor upon me and dreams starting to come into fruition

I am holding onto His promise for my life and letting Him guide me day by day

I cant wait to post some exciting things coming up in the near future

Starting with my new baby nephew coming any day!

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A Night in Paris (or Italy)

Ok, ok, not really in actual Paris, France

Bu with the smell, music and lighting it seemed like we were!

 

Through my job at Seattle Pacific, I meet a lot of students

(one of the best things about my job by far!)

 

Christa, has been a student-worker, turned great friend over the past couple years

She was with me from the beginning when my passion started with childrens charities

She was there with me to visit Memphis for a St. Jude event

She was there when we pulled off the 2nd highest fundrasier in the region for St. Jude

She was there for me when I needed someone to fill in for an athletic event

She has been there for me almost all of my time at SPU

And this past summer I was able to be there for her when she married the man of her dreams

She is just one of many examples of student-workers turning into great relationships

 

On top of being a student and a wife, Christa is an excellent cook!

From someone who can barley boil an egg without complications

I jumped on this opportunity when she asked me to comeover and cook!
Yes, please share with me some of your cooking wisdom

 

So one night last week we opened a bottle of Pellegrino and made gnocchi

(Dont worry, I didnt know what it was either)

 

 

A Night in Paris (or Italy)

 

Cooking by Christa

Photos and taste tester by Jessie

 

Love the white lights she added!

Pandora station "Cafe Paris"

 

 

Christa and her husband Jeffrey

 

 

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